Oregon Wildfire Season Begins with Two Fires

Lightning strikes started both wildfires

 

 

MAUPIN, Ore. (AP) — Wildfire season in Oregon is underway after a lightning storm sparked at least two major fires that are now burning in the central part of the state.

Jean Nelson-Dean, a fire spokeswoman, said Friday the smaller fire burning near Culver triggered the mandatory evacuation of about 100 homes.

That blaze is at about 3 square miles (8 square kilometers) and has not torched any homes.

Another fire near Maupin grew to more than 15 square miles (40 square kilometers).

There were no mandatory evacuations but residents east of the town are being told to be ready to go if needed.

See also  New California Law Helps Former Inmate Firefighters Get Jobs

The fires were started by lightning strikes from strong thunderstorms that swept the region Wednesday.

They are growing quickly in windy and dry conditions.

All contents © copyright 2018 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Topics

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Stay in the loop with our wildland newsletter.

Lightning strikes started both wildfires     MAUPIN, Ore. (AP) — Wildfire season in Oregon is underway after a lightning storm sparked at least two major fires that are now burning in the central part of the state. Jean Nelson-Dean, a fire spokeswoman, said Friday the smaller fire burning near Culver triggered the mandatory evacuation […]

Get The Wildland Firefighter Newsletter

Related Articles

Feds Now Want Employees on Leave to Help Fight Wildfires

Feds Now Want Employees on Leave to Help Fight Wildfires

Bob Timmons - Star Tribune (TNS) Wary of wildfire threats, the U.S. Forest Service is asking as many as 1,400 employees who left the agency in recent months to help fight wildfires this summer. The request is to employees who resigned amid the Trump administration’s...