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There’s a critical fire danger warning in effect for parts of Southwestern and Central Oregon on Tuesday as a lightning storm hit part of the state.
A red flag warning was issued for Southwest Oregon as scattered thunderstorms and lightning strikes could ignite the dry wilderness fuels through the region. Coupled with the gusty winds, weather officials said there is the potential for explosive fire growth.
The storms are predicted to follow the mountains east into the evening hours, KATU’s Rhonda Shelby said. | Latest forecast
Seven fires were started by the roughly 125 lightning strikes on Douglas Forest Protective Association lands, forestry officials said. Most of the fires started Tuesday are around 1/10th of an acre, with the largest being a half-acre fire.
Another red flag warning was issued for the Columbia Basin and parts of Southwestern Washington, where prolonged dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds make for extreme fire danger.
Generally, Shelby says, red flag warnings like these aren’t issued until later in the summer months.
“We usually look for these (conditions) after July 5,” Shelby said.
This is in part because of the lack of precipitation through the winter and early spring. The Oregon Department of Forestry already declared the start of fire season in the central parts of the state.
As fire officials prepare for a rough fire season there are some things you can do to protect your home from fire danger.
Establishing a defensible space can help firefighters save a structure in the event of a wildfire.
Clear dry grass away from buildings, and make sure your trees are trimmed up to about 10 feet above ground.
“The grasses that stay green through July are likely going to be gold or dry much sooner. We see even now some of the conditions in the river, for example, that are more reflective of mid-summer, not late spring,” said Cassandra Ulven, a spokesperson for Tualatin Valley Fire & rescue.
It’s also helpful to move firewood, bark dust piles, and other fuel sources away from your house.
More tips from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
Fires reported from Tuesday’s lightning storms – Douglas Forest Protective Association info:
Canyon Mountain Fire: 2 miles south of Canyonville, 1/10th acre
Sweat Creek Fire: 3 miles east of Canyonville, 1/10th acre
Courtesy of katu.com
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