A Red Flag Warning is in effect Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. for the Umpqua National Forest along with the Southern Oregon Cascades and the Siskiyou Mountains.
An Urgent Fire Weather Message from the National Weather Service said scattered thunderstorms will bring abundant lightning to much of southern Oregon on Wednesday.
Isolated thunderstorms are expected west of the Cascades. That threat will continue into Thursday. Forecasters said lightning and high fire danger will likely result in new fire starts. Gusty thunderstorms could contribute to fire spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible.
Extreme fire growth potential is possible according to forecasters.