Several Fires Detected in Douglas District After Lightning Strikes

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at approximately 5 pm, predicted lightning storms swept across district, strikes were recorded from Glendale to Elkton on the west side of the district and from Tiller to north of Gilde on the east side of the district. The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) immediately initiated aerial and ground lightning reconnaissance. We have confirmed several fire starts in the West Fork area, predominately northwest of Glendale. District resources are actively engaged, including the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) area severity aircraft. Additional resources have been ordered to assist, including fallers, a tender, and a 20-man crew. Ground reconnaissance and suppression will continue safely through the night and rotate into tomorrow’s day shift. Additional aerial reconnaissance is tentatively scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. A progress update will be released tomorrow. Currently, no homes or structures are threatened by the identified fires. Via DFPA