Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Lightning Bust Sets Off Several Small Fires: Fire on the Newberry National Volcanic Monument Will Be Monitored


Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
     4550 SW Airport Way
                 Prineville, OR  97754


FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
For Immediate ReleaseJuly 2, 2014- 7:0p.m.
Contact:  Media Desk, 541/416-6811   

A lightning storm moved through Central Oregon on Wednesday afternoon striking over 1600 times and starting 13 small fires. All fires are currently under 1 acre and will continue to be monitored by firefighters through the evening.

One of the fires is within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument on the Deschutes National Forest, 1 mile southwest of Lava Butte. The fire is creeping in a 30 acre island of ponderosa pine, downed wood, brush and needles surrounded on all sides by lava rock. While the fire is currently approximately .5 acres, it will be allowed to take a natural role and continue burning within the island. Smoke could be visible from Sunriver and Bend.

The Red Flag Warning that was issued for Wednesday will expire at 8 p.m. Fire crews and forest fire lookouts will remain in the area monitoring the skies for smoke and any additional fire activity.

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