Lightning response and fire preparedness in South Central Oregon this weekend

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The agencies of the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) are responding to lightning fires sparked by storms this week and hosting additional firefighting resources to help with initial attack in the coming days and weeks.

Since Monday, wildland firefighting resources have responded to 13 confirmed lightning fires, with the largest being just under 2 acres.  Four of the fires have been declared contained and controlled, two are contained, and the remaining fires are still active.

Yesterday’s thunderstorm activity produced 165 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in Klamath County, with 10 in Lake County.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today until 11 p.m. over a large part of the SCOFMP area for abundant lightning on dry fuels.  There is a chance for thunderstorms in the area continuing throughout the weekend.

While there are numerous resources assigned to the Bootleg Fire, SCOFMP is maintaining staffing to patrol, respond to new fire starts and provide initial attack.

Local resources include approximately 35 engines, two dozers, four water tenders and access to air resources including helicopters and single-engine air tankers.  Additionally, 12 engines and seven firefighting crews have been brought in from outside of the SCOFMP area to help with coverage and response.

Fire Danger has been at the highest level – “Extreme” – since June 30 for all federal, state, county and private lands in Klamath and Lake counties protected by the agencies of the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP).

Conditions have continued to deteriorate with hot, dry and windy conditions this summer.  While recent storms have provided some precipitation, it is not enough to significantly improve fuel conditions.

Area residents and visitors are reminded that Public Use Restrictions are in effect throughout the SCOFMP area.  Please visit www.scofmp.org to verify the restrictions for the landscape you plan to work or recreate on.  Everyone is asked to be careful with anything that could spark a wildfire and to report suspected wildfires immediately by calling 911.