Firefighters Respond to Lightning-Sparked Wildfire Reports in Southern Oregon

Medford, Oregon- Fire crews are responding to a surge of wildfire activity across the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest District following a series of overnight thunderstorms that sparked multiple fire reports.

As of early Tuesday morning, firefighters had investigated 10 reports of smoke or fire. Three of those were determined to be false alarms, while one small fire was quickly contained and extinguished overnight at just one-tenth of an acre.

Crews are currently engaged in an aggressive initial attack on two fires northwest of Prospect: the Alder Creek Fire and the Hibbard Point Fire. The fires are burning near one another and have been held to approximately 2.5 acres and 0.5 acres, respectively. Fire lines around both incidents are nearly complete, and mop-up operations have already begun in some areas.

In addition to those active fires, resources are being dispatched to five more reports of light smoke, mostly in remote terrain near Lost Creek Lake and Prospect. One report also came in from an area south of Applegate and northeast of Grayback Mountain.

Early Tuesday, a drone was used to locate one of the new smokes, prompting the deployment of a Type 3 helicopter and Helitack Team to the Prospect area for further reconnaissance. A full aerial recon flight by the district’s air attack plane was scheduled for 9 a.m.

With hot temperatures in the forecast and a slight chance of additional thunderstorms, the district has canceled days off and activated all personnel to respond to the heightened fire activity. Detection staff are also scanning strike zones for signs of additional ignitions throughout the day.

Officials urge the public to remain alert and report any sightings of smoke by calling 911 immediately. Updates will be provided as crews reach more of the reported locations and assess conditions on the ground.