The Little Applegate Complex of Fires in the Rogue Valley were caused by lightning.
An update from the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District said lightning struck in the area at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The first fire was the Applegate Fire southwest of Talent. That was followed by the nearby Yale West Fire. Both were initially reported to be a half-acre in size.
Resources were called into the area, including engines, crews and aircraft that had been working on the East Evans Fire. Within the first 2 hours, more than 160 personnel were assigned to the Little Applegate Complex. The Yale West Fire was contained at just under 1 acre, while the Little Applegate Fire was at 13 acres.
Crews remain on the scene Monday, continuing mop up operations and watching for potential flare-ups. Resources will also be available to divert to any new potential fire starts.
As of Monday, lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties are in extreme fire danger with new restrictions in place. More information can be found at www.swofire.com.