science environment

Lightning Storms, Warm Springs Fire Challenge Firefighters

By Amanda Peacher (OPB)
June 26, 2017 11:31 p.m.

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A red flag warning is in place for much of central and southern Oregon Monday as lightning storms and gusty winds move through the area. 
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Fire managers are already working to contain a 2,200-acre fire on the Warm Springs Reservation. It started Sunday night and quickly spread through grass and sagebrush. 

"These kinds of fires are going to be fast and furious and quick," said Bob Sjolund, fuels planner with Warm Springs Fire Management. "It's going to be a matter of time [before] we'll turn it around. Even though we've had some moisture come through the area, the finer fuels are going to dry out quick."

Sjolund said crews are working quickly on the Mecca Fire — but the high temperatures and wind create challenges for crews on the ground.  

The fire is about 20 percent contained. As storms pepper the area, Sjolund said firefighters are being stretched thin with more lightning fire starts.  He said he expects more are on the way, too.

"The Cascades got hit pretty hard with some lightning last night, so we just cross our fingers and hope we can get on them and keep them as small as we can," Sjolund said. 
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