August 18, 2022 4:00 a.m.

Thunderstorms crept across Douglas County Wednesday evening, bringing at least 100 lightning strikes and several confirmed fires.

Rachael Pope, Public Information Officer for the Douglas Forest Protective Association said those fires were mainly in the southern half of the district. Pope said DFPA crews and other local fire responders have confirmed 5 lightning fires and were actively responding to other reported locations to investigate, as of late Wednesday evening. Pope said more confirmations are expected by Thursday morning.

Pope said the fires found are estimated to be less than 0.25-acres in size. Aircraft and extra resources have been ordered and are scheduled to arrive Thursday morning.

More updates are expected as additional information becomes available.