July 29, 2020 1:15 p.m.

Crews with the Umpqua National Forest are responding to multiple smoke reports.

Mark Turney from the Forest Service said predicted lightning storms moved over the upper elevations of the forest over the past several days igniting new wildfires.

Turney said over 100 strikes have been recorded with one confirmed new fire start and unconfirmed fires on the Diamond Lake Ranger District. The confirmed fire grew to 1/10th of an acre before it was contained.

Turney said new fire detection is being accomplished by on the ground resources, fire lookouts and aerial flights.

Umpqua National Forest Fire Staff officer Riva Duncan said lightning is expected to continue. She said “our firefighting resources are positioned and at the ready to respond to any detected new starts”.

Turney said the UNF is also assisting neighboring areas that received lightening by providing short term use of resources including a heavy lift helicopter. The UNF release said as the high temperatures continue, fuels such as grass and forest duff, will continue to dry and be receptive to any ember or spark to start a new fire.

The Umpqua National Forest remains at a Moderate fire danger rating and a Personal Use Restriction Level 1.