July 28, 2021 4:10 a.m.

A dry lightning event has caused new fire starts on the Umpqua National Forest.

Steve Beri from the Forest Service said precipitation events on Tuesday resulted in lightning strikes between Tiller and north of Glide. Approximately 40 strikes along the western flank of the Cascades range occurred. Beri said smoke was observed and reported from several sources including firefighters transported via helicopter who were working on the Jack Fire, along with recon flights and observation cameras. Most fire starts have been identified to have been initiated by dry lightning strikes.

21 small fires have been identified with the largest at a half-acre.

Beri said fire danger on the Umpqua National Forest remains Extreme with the forest in IFPL 3 and Public Use Restrictions at level 3.