3 Oregon Fire Teams Take Command of 75 Wildfires as 2,000 Lightning Strikes Spur Growth
Updated
Updated · KTVZ · Jul 17
3 Oregon Fire Teams Take Command of 75 Wildfires as 2,000 Lightning Strikes Spur Growth
3 articles · Updated · KTVZ · Jul 17
Summary
Three Complex Incident Management Teams were set to assume command Friday of the remaining Central Oregon fires under suppression, after a Type 3 team already took over five Twickenham-area incidents.
More than 75 wildfires ignited after over 2,000 lightning strikes hit the region on July 15, then expanded rapidly July 16 as strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures drove explosive growth.
The largest incidents now include the Hopkin and Deep Canyon fires at about 5,000 acres each, Porcupine Ridge at 4,600 acres, and several others near 3,000 acres including Cove Creek, Brewer, Wilcox and Akawa.
Crews using engines, hand crews, dozers, skidgines and aircraft have stopped forward progress on the 80- to 100-acre Pilot Fire and the 105-acre Connant Fire while working toward containment across the region.
The incoming teams from Northwest and the Oregon Department of Forestry bring specialists in operations, logistics, aviation, safety and public engagement as agencies scale up a multi-fire response.