Firefighters are completing the last portions of mop-up operations on two of the 17 lightning-caused fires that were found in Southern Oregon over the last week. The fires followed numerous rounds of thunderstorms that moved through the region.
Between July 15th and 22nd, five fires were reported on the Oregon Department of Forestry's Medford Unit and 12 were reported on the Grants Pass ODF Unit. At this time, all but two are 100% contained and they are nearly mopped up.
Thunderstorms first materialized on the evening of July 15th, with a total of 66 lightning strikes recorded across the local district. From this storm, firefighters responded to 13 fires. Of these fires, the largest was the Waters Gulch Fire and it was stopped at just two acres.
The next storm system arrived late Saturday night, with 18 recorded lightning strikes across Jackson and Josephine counties. Four fires were reported, with two in each unit. Of these fires, the Sugarpine Gulch Fire was caught at just over seven acres. It is now 100% lined and 100% mopped up.
Resources and equipment were also strategically used from the Salt Creek Fire, which was caught and lined at just over 4,100 acres. The wildfire burning between Eagle Point and Butte Falls was transitioned from an ODF Incident Management Team to local control last week and it is now 100% contained.
In the coming days, ODF officials said additional lightning-caused fires from these storms may surface. ODF Detection Center staff continue to monitor lightning strike areas and firefighters are keeping an eye on strike zones daily within their patrol areas. Reconnaissance flights will be conducted as needed.
