In the wake of over a thousand lightning strikes across Oregon in the past 48 hours, numerous new fires have been ignited, particularly within the Umpqua National Forest. Among these, the Trail Fire stands out as the largest, currently estimated at around 200 acres and burning just east of Diamond Lake. Authorities have issued Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders for nearby areas in Douglas County due to its rapid spread.
As the sun rises, visible satellite imagery is revealing A LOT of smoke along & east of the Cascades. Burns, OR is waking up to hazardous air quality. Over 1,000 lightning strikes occurred in OR & WA between Tues-Wed. Unfortunately, a lot of new fires are showing up. pic.twitter.com/U1XepOZFD6
— Jeff Forgeron (@WeatherJefe) July 18, 2024
Additionally, the Lemolo Fire has prompted Level 1 evacuation warnings for the campgrounds and resort at Lemolo Lake. As of Wednesday night, this fire had grown to approximately 15 acres.
For real-time updates on evacuation orders for both the Trail Fire and Lemolo Fire, residents are encouraged to visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Several other fires sparked by lightning in the Umpqua National Forest have also been reported:
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- Jack Saddle Fire – Estimated at 5 acres, located about 14 miles northeast of Idleyld Park.
- Lost Bucket Fire – Positioned near the Jack Saddle Fire, with DFPA air and ground resources deployed.
- Donegan Fire – Estimated at 0.25 acres and fully contained with 100% fire line.
- White Creek Fire – Estimated at 0.5 acres, with containment lines completed and 100% containment achieved.
- Cultus Fire – Estimated at 1.5 acres, currently lined and 40% contained.
- Slide Fire – Estimated at 0.5 acres, with a completed fire line and 100% containment.
- Puddin Fire – Estimated at 0.5 acres, with a completed handline and 70% containment.
- Tucker Fire – Estimated at 0.5 acres, with 10% containment, handlines, and hose lines laid around it.
On Wednesday night, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act due to a series of fires near Pilot Rock in Umatilla County, which are also suspected to be lightning-induced. The area is currently under a Level 3 - Go Now evacuation order. Updates on these fires can be found on the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple emphasized the severe conditions firefighters are facing, stating, “The challenges our firefighters encounter are extraordinary. We are striving to provide the necessary resources to protect our communities from numerous wildfires burning across the state. It is crucial to prevent new fires and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.”
For an interactive map of large wildfires in Oregon and Washington, please click here.
