Redmond, Oregon –Firefighters have been responding to several new incidents on Prineville District Bureau of Land Management managed lands from the hundreds of lightning strikes that have blanketed Central Oregon in the past 24 hours.
The largest incident, the Cottonwood Fire, near Dayville has been contained at 50 acres. Incident #343 on the John Day River corridor by 30 mile and Wolf Mountain and incident #345 two miles west of Painted Hills Day Use area are both approximately 20 acres but have received heavy rain over the burn areas. Both continue to be staffed tonight by crews and engines and firefighters will work towards containment through the night and morning.
The remaining incidents firefighters have responded to today have been held at two acres or less. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through midnight for abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds.
The public is reminded to be careful with any ignitions on public lands. Central Oregon recently moved to HIGH fire danger, meaning fuels are very receptive to ignitions. If you are recreating on public lands, remember to remain diligent about ensuring all fires are ‘dead out’ and cold to the touch, all spark arrestors are properly installed, and trailer chains are secured.
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