WEEKEND LIGHTNING KEEPS FIREFIGHTERS BUSY

News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: June 29th, 2015 2:08 PM

Powerful thunderstorms swept across Oregon over the weekend, bringing strong winds and lightning. Thirteen fires were reported in the John Day Unit of the Central Oregon District, nine of these fires were contained at initial attack with minimal acreage burned. Firefighters continue to battle fires the Harper Creek Complex and the Jones Canyon Fire.

The Harper Creek Complex is comprise of three fires; the Harpers Creek Fire (321 acres), the Hog Fire (96 acres), and the Laycock Creek Fire (25 acres), burning near Mt. Vernon. The complex is being managed by a Type 3 Team comprised of local resources. The fires are 80 percent contained with forward spread stopped. Firefighters are continuing to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hotspots.

The Jones Canyon Fire is burning in rim rocks north west of Monument near the Grant County line. The fire is approximately 50 percent contained, estimated at 248 acres, and is being managed by a Type 3 organization of local firefighters. The fire continues to burn actively and is challenging firefighters in rugged terrain. Incident Command for Jones Canyon is located in Long Creek.

Unseasonably dry fuel conditions and extreme temperatures have pushed firefighters over the last several days as they have responded to these lightning fires. These high temperatures are anticipated to continue through the week, increasing fire danger through the Fourth of July weekend. The public is reminded to use caution when recreating in the woods.

All lands protected by the Central Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry are currently in Regulated-Use Closure. This closure prohibits campfires and fireworks on protected lands. Additional restrictions within the closure can be found at the following website: www.oregon.gov/odf/centraloregon/pages/index.aspx.

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