August 21, 2023 3:50 a.m.

New starts caused by thunderstorms have challenged initial attack crews on the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest.

Public Affairs Officer Virginia Gibbons said these storms produced approximately two hundred cloud to ground strikes with rain totals varying from zero to a half inch depending on location. Gibbons said fire lookouts continue to identify new starts. There are currently forty-one confirmed fires across the Wild Rivers, High Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains Ranger districts of the RRSNF. Those range from a single tree to the Kanaka fire on the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District at forty acres.

Gibbons said air and ground resources have been brought in from all over Oregon to assist with the fires. Smokejumpers and other aerial firefighting resources are supporting these initial attack efforts. Smokejumpers worked with the Kanaka Fire Sunday, with more arriving on Monday.

Lightning is predicted through Tuesday for portions of the forest area. RRSNF has ordered more resources to support the ongoing efforts and in anticipation of additional starts and the predicted lightning.

Updates are available at: https://www.facebook.com/R6RRSNF