Lightning-Driven Wildfires Emerge Across Jackson County; ODF Mobilizes Crews Overnight

Medford, Oregon- Firefighters are responding to a growing number of smoke and fire reports across Jackson County after a wave of thunderstorms brought lightning to the region Monday evening, igniting multiple wildfires in rugged terrain.

As of 9:10 p.m., the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) confirmed it is actively responding to 20 separate reports of smoke or fire, with the most significant being the Pompadour Fire, located off Dead Indian Memorial Road east of Ashland. That blaze is currently estimated at three acres. One smaller fire in the area has already been fully lined and mopped up, officials said.

To aid in the response, ODF launched two reconnaissance flights Monday night—one over the Ashland and Greensprings areas, and a second throughout the Applegate. These aircraft are scanning recent lightning strike areas to identify new starts and provide real-time intelligence to ground crews.

Two strike teams of ODF fire engines are being mobilized from across southwestern and northern Oregon to assist in initial attack efforts. Additional resources, including 20-person contract crews and engines, are being activated to support overnight operations as firefighters work to contain emerging fires.

Earlier in the evening, ODF reported active responses to smoke investigations at several locations, including:

• The 11000-block of Upper Applegate Road

• Milepost 3 on Little Applegate Road

• Milepost 3 on Dead Indian Memorial Road

• Milepost 4 on Wagner Creek Road

• Near Grizzly Peak, just north of the Oregon-California border

While Monday’s thunderstorms did bring rainfall, officials caution that lightning strikes can lead to delayed ignitions, and new fires may continue to appear in the hours ahead.

ODF is urging residents to report any sightings of smoke or fire to 911 as crews continue aggressive initial attacks throughout the night.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.