Lightning apparently sparks 10-acre brush fire in NE Redmond as thunderstorms rumble through region

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Lightning from one of several thunderstorms rumbling through Central Oregon Tuesday apparently sparked a brush fire that burned about 10 acres in northeast Redmond before crews stopped it.

The fire was reported around 5 p.m. south of NE Upas Avenue and 37th Street, Redmond Fire and Rescue said. Watch Duty said the Upas Fire was burning in light fuels and juniper, moving to the south.

Forward progress was stopped in about an hour by crews from Redmond Fire, the BLM and Oregon Department of Forestry.

But Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney told KTVZ News gusty outflow winds of 30-40 mph from one of the storms were testing the lines as more fires were tackled..

The storms also brought rain in places but sparked several fires that were caught at small size by firefighters across the area through the afternoon.

We will keep tracking the fires and keep you posted in our Fire Alert coverage.