Firefighters are battling the 534-acre Ore Fire in Lane County amid a "Red Flag Warning" for lightning that could rapidly grow existing Oregon fires thanks to dry conditions and potential strong winds.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Firefighters are battling the 534-acre Ore Fire in Lane County amid a "Red Flag Warning" for lightning that could rapidly grow existing Oregon fires thanks to dry conditions and potential strong winds.
"Fire suppression efforts continue on the Ore Fire, which is burning in steep, rugged terrain 7 miles northeast of Blue River, Oregon," the U.S. Forest Service said in a Facebook post on Sunday morning. "The current acreage of 534 is an estimate due to the unavailability of infrared flight. The cause of the fire is under investigation."
A containment effort is underway, including using existing roads and natural barriers to "create containment lines" to protect firefighters, officials said. On Saturday, crews removed "hazardous trees along FS 15 road and the fires edge" and aerial resources were used to drop water to slow the flames.
With temperatures forecasted to hit the high 80s this week, along with the lightning threat and dry and possibly windy conditions, officials said a "Red Flag Warning" is in effect until 8 p.m.
"The potential for gusty outflow winds in thunderstorm areas could allow for new and existing fires to grow rapidly," the Forest Service said.
In addition, fire managers are asking the public to "drive defensively" while crews work with heavy equipment along FS Road 15 and 1509.
Smokey conditions are expected to impact air quality in the coming days.
The Willamette National Forest is also closed in several areas, including Buck Mountain Trail, Tidbits South and West Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground and Saddle Dam Boat Launch.
