Crews control lightning strikes

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: A string of lightning-sparked fires across the McKenzie River Ranger District were quickly corralled last week, thanks to rapid response by the U.S. Forest Service and partner agencies. Most of the blazes were held to less than a quarter-acre.

“The quick, aggressive actions of our firefighters, combined with close coordination with partners, really helped keep these fires small,” the Forest Service said in a statement.

Among the lightning starts:

Nash Fire – Located a half-mile from Nash Lake, the blaze reached 0.5 acres before crews fully lined and controlled it by Sept. 7.

Lava Rock Fire – About two miles east of Carmen Reservoir, it burned just 0.1 acre before being contained.

Fish Lake Fire – Near Fish Lake, this 0.1-acre blaze is 100% contained.

Wolf Meadow Fire – Roughly one mile north of Carpenter Mountain, it burned 0.35 acres before being controlled.

#375 Fire – About 0.75 miles north of Macduff Mountain, it was stopped at 0.25 acres.

Trapper Creek, #380, and #382 Fires – Near Twin Buttes Trailhead, each was kept small and declared controlled.

While those fires remain secure, crews continue to battle the Foley Ridge Fire, which has grown to more than 50 acres. Reported Sept. 6, the blaze is burning on a cliff visible from Highway 242, about seven miles east of McKenzie Bridge.

Up to four helicopters, along with engines, dozers, and hand crews, were working the fire, supported by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Air resources dropped water buckets Monday morning, but afternoon thunderstorms and poor visibility grounded aircraft for safety.

A Type 3 incident management team was expected to take over Tuesday, and additional resources are en route.

The Forest Service is reminding the public to observe all current fire restrictions. For more information, visit fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire. New fires should be reported immediately to 911.