More lightning brings new wildfires around Central Oregon, the largest at about 27 acres, as stormy weather lingers
Barney Lerten
(Update: New fire, Incident 667, burns about 27 acres)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon received more lightning on Tuesday, and interagency resources responded to several smoke reports, leading to at least a half-dozen new fires, officials said Wednesday.
A new fire, Incident 667, was reported late Wednesday morning southwest of Mackey Mountain, burning in grass and brush about 20 miles east of Hampton, in the southeast corner of Crook County.
Officials said interagency engines and overhead staff were on scene, with more resources on order. It ws estimated at 27 acres, according to Watch Duty.
Here’s the officials’ earlier Wednesday update:
The newly reported starts, all lightning-caused, may have been holdovers from Monday or new strikes from Tuesday’s storms.
While most have been contained, there are two fires receiving ongoing suppression work. The Boulder Fire, 2 miles north of Juniper Butte outside of Prineville, remains at 21 acres and is staffed with engines, a water tender, and overhead; and the Kwolh Fire, just south of Mt. Bachelor, is two 0.10-acre fires and is staffed with rappelers.
With more lightning in the forecast for Wednesday, firefighters are prepared to respond to any new starts or holdover fires from Monday and Tuesday.
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.