Lightning sparks 14 fires across Central Oregon; 12 are caught fast, crews still fighting 2 as more storms are due
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Storms rumbling through Central Oregon Monday brought hundreds of lightning strikes that have ignited more than a dozen fires so far – most stopped by crews at a very small size, but two that were still being fought Tuesday.
Officials said Tuesday, “Interagency resources responded to a number of smoke reports throughout the afternoon and into the evening, which resulted in 14 confirmed fires. Twelve of these fires, which cumulatively burned approximately eight acres, have been contained.
Firefighters continue work to suppress the Boulder Fire, two miles north of Juniper Butte east of Prineville, and the Kiwa Fire, three miles east of Katalo Butte and west of Bend.
Today, firefighters are prepared to respond to holdover fires that may have resulted from yesterday’s lightning and any new starts that may result from incoming lightning this afternoon.
Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.