July 27, 2020 9:30 a.m.

With lightening forecast for parts of southern Oregon on Monday afternoon and evening, officials with the Umpqua National Forest have ordered additional wildland fire resources to supplement their current initial attack workforce.

Mark Turney of the Forest Service said the Medford office of the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning with the potential for abundant lightning, a high likelihood of warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds. Turney said that can combine to produce an increase in fire danger.

Turney said the extra resources will include hand crews, fire engines, timber fallers, dozers and overhead personnel such as on-the-ground supervisors. A Type 1 helicopter will also be stationed at the Roseburg Regional Airport. He said the initial attack resources will fight fire aggressively while providing for firefighter and public safety.

The UNF release said Forest Service managers are working closely with cooperators like the Douglas Forest Protective Association and neighboring national forests to share resources as needed where the values at risk are most critical.

Turney said while they cannot control the lightening, officials can ask forest users and neighboring landowners to continue to heed campfire restrictions, drown all campfires when out, and be vigilant while operating equipment.

The Umpqua National Forest remains at an Industrial Fire Precaution Level of 2 with a moderate fire danger rating and Personal Use Restrictions at Level 1.