Lightning Fires Reported in Jackson County
ODF Southwest says crews are watching for holdover fires after weekend thunderstorms.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Firefighters are responding to small lightning-caused fires in Jackson County after weekend thunderstorms moved through the region, bringing heavy rain and thousands of lightning strikes.
ODF Southwest Oregon District said its firefighters have been working with the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and BLM Oregon to locate and suppress small fires sparked by the storms.
So far, four fires have been reported in Jackson County. Two have been extinguished, including one that was stopped at just under three acres Monday, according to ODF Southwest.
On Tuesday morning, crews were responding to two additional reports. One involved a smoldering tree on East Antelope Road. The other was a report of smoke northwest of Trail, east of Highway 227.
The update follows earlier monitoring by federal forest crews after thunderstorms produced roughly 2,000 lightning strikes across the region. While rain accompanied the storms, fire officials said lightning can still start “holdover” fires that may not become visible until days or even weeks later.
ODF Southwest said the risk remains elevated as warmer temperatures return to the region, with forecasts showing conditions ranging from the 70s to the high 80s across the valley.
Fire officials are asking residents to report any visible smoke or fire immediately. ODF Southwest said firefighters remain ready to respond as additional reports come in from the weekend storm activity.
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