Lightning Storm Starts Multiple Fires in Douglas County

DFPA LIGHTNING RECON: On Saturday, July 20, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m., the first predicted thunderstorm swept across the Douglas District, bringing with it several registered strikes, immediately initiating the first round of lighting reconnaissance. As predicted, around 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, a more considerable thunderstorm made its way across the district. This storm lingered for several hours, bringing more confirmed air-to-ground lightning strikes, and scattered, light rain in different areas. As of 10 a.m., Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) crews responded to 30 smoke investigation calls. Five of those calls are confirmed lightning-caused fires. Three of these fires were about 1/100th of an acre, mopped up, and are in patrol status. 3 of the fires in patrol status: MORGAN CREEK FIRE. MYRTLE CREEK, OR: This was a 0.1-acre ground fire. It was quickly extinguished, trailed, mopped up, and is now in patrol status. DOLE ROAD #2 FIRE. MYRTLE CREEK, OR: Responding crews located a 0.1-acre grass fire burning in reprod (reproduction; a timber term used to address the process of young trees that are replacements in a cleared timber area that will grow). This fire was quickly extinguished, trailed, mopped up, and is now in patrol status. ASH CREEK FIRE. RIDDLE, OR: Crews responded to a reported lightning strike and located a fire estimated to be a 0.1-acre fire. It was quickly extinguished, trailed, mopped up, and is now in patrol status. 2 of the active fires are as follows: STRAWBERRY MOUNTAIN FIRE. ROSEBURG, OR: Around 12:30 a.m., camera detection detected smoke in the area of this fire. Ground crews were able to hike in and locate the lightning-started fire, which is currently estimated to be 1.8 acres in size. It is in timber, 11 miles east of Roseburg and 3 miles south of Buckhorn Road. Firefighters are fully engaged in the initial attack, which includes DFPA engines, 2- 20-person contracted crews, a tender, and fallers. The forward spread of this fire has been knocked down and is currently 100% trailed, plumbed, and in mop-up status. Crews will continue to work diligently in the area until the fire is mopped up and in patrol status. OLD BLUE FIRE. ELKTON, OR: At approximately 7:38 am, ground reconnaissance crews located a lightning-struck tree, with an estimated ¼ of an acre fire about 10 miles south of Elkton. DFPA and CFPA (Coos Forest Protective Association) are on the scene and have the fire 100% lined. Crews will continue to work diligently in the area until the fire is mopped up and in patrol status. These fires are not a threat to homes or structures. Lightning reconnaissance continues throughout the district. photo of Ash Creek fire courtesy of DFPA Via DFPA