July 17, 2024 3:50 a.m.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association initiated aerial and ground lightning reconnaissance following predicted lighting storms late Tuesday afternoon.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said at approximately 5:00 p.m. lightning storms swept across the Douglas District. Pope said strikes were recorded from Glendale to Elkton on the west side of the district and from Tiller to north of Glide on the east side.

Pope said there are several confirmed fire starts in the West Fork area, predominately northwest of Glendale. District resources are actively engaged, including the Oregon Department of Forestry’s area severity aircraft. Pope said additional resources have been ordered to assist, including fallers, a tender and a 20-man crew.

Additional aerial reconnaissance is scheduled to begin early to mid-morning Wednesday. A progress update is expected. As of late Tuesday night, no homes or structures were threatened by the identified fires.