Lightning struck late yesterday in Southern Oregon, which may result in new fire starts. The Oregon Department of Forestry is monitoring the strike areas with their camera detection system, with engines patrolling as well.
ODF and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest responded to reports of one possible fire near Applegate Lake where lightning strikes were reported. However, it turned out to be a "water dog" or water that is evaporating and looks like smoke.
At 5:40 p.m., an ODF helicopter located a fire near Waters Gulch Road, southeast of Buncom and west of Ashland. It was determined to be 2-3 acres and additional resources from ODF, the Forest Service and BLM responded with an aggressive initial attack. As of last night, the Waters Gulch Fire was lined and not growing.
A second blaze called the Lick Creek Fire was spotted in the same area as Waters Gulch. It was quickly knocked down at only 1/100th of an acre.
There currently are no active wildfires burning near populated areas of Southern Oregon. The coming days will tell the tale as hot weather and the potential threat of lightning continues.
"Sleeper" fires started by lightning can pop up hours or days after a thunderstorm. Fire agencies encourage residents to continue to maintain an alert sense of awareness and report any smoke to 9-1-1 immediately.
