High temps = high fire danger

Moisture and instability that moved into the region last Friday generated thunderstorms that resulted in 789 strikes in Oregon according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center in Portland,

Firefighters responded to numerous, mostly small, fires from that evening’s lightning storm. Most were either a single burning tree or were less than 1/2 acre in size.

Approximately 20 smokes were reported at various locations throughout the Willamette National Forest and 12 fires were confirmed by a helicopter flying over the reported smokes to assess conditions and plan the appropriate response.

The most visible fires were both on the McKenzie River Ranger District. The Blue Canyon fire was located on the north side of Highway 126 in Rainbow - just across from the McKenzie River Ranger District lands. The other visible fire was on the east arm of Cougar Reservoir. A third fire near King Road was already brought under control.

“Quick detection and response are essential to help keep these fires small, especially given the hot and dry weather forecasted for the week ahead. We are grateful to the citizens who called some of these fires in,” said Fire Staff Officer Sean Stafford. “This kicks off our fire season, and we’re ready. We are reminding folks that fireworks are illegal on all National Forest system lands.”

Visitors are encouraged to use caution in areas where firefighters are actively working. There are no closures or public use restrictions in place at this time, but visitors should pay attention to fire danger levels and, as always, be careful with campfires.

For additional information, and especially on the weekends; follow on twitter at: twitter.com/willametteNF. People can call the ranger district office at 541-822-3381 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Image: Triple digit daytime temperatures haven’t been dropping very far during the night as a spell of sweltering weather continues to impact the area.