800 lightning strikes spark new Oregon wildfires

A thunderstorm late Friday afternoon and evening produced 800 lightning strikes that have sparked several wildfires from The Dalles to Eastern Oregon, the state Department of Forestry reported Saturday.

Three fires erupted about seven miles west of The Dalles at about 5 p.m. Friday The Blackburn Fire, located in The Dalles watershed, has burned about 365 acres and is 50 percent contained, officials said at midday Saturday.

The fire is burning in oak and grass and is indirectly threatening structures in the area. Firefighters are working to get the upper hand this morning before predicted afternoon winds of up to 35 mph hit the area.

The Government Flat Fire has burned 200 acres. Fire crews have had considerable success, with nearly full containment achieved Saturday morning . Close to a dozen structures are currently threatened by the fire along Browns Creek Road. The Oregon Department of Forestry is coordinating with the State Fire Marshal on structural protection.

The third fire, known as Wells Creek, burned 66 acres and is fully lined.
Resources assigned to the fire, which will mostly be deployed to Blackburn, include eight 20-person crews, five engines, two water tenders, two dozers and one helicopter. Three retardant dropping air tankers have also been ordered.

Fire crews have also had success with the Geneva 14 Fire, located 15 miles northeast of Sisters. The fire has burned 125 acres and is fully lined. Crews will
strengthen containment lines and begin mop up operations Saturday.

As the lightning traveled east, it sparked at least two additional fires in ODF’s Pendleton unit. The South Fork McKay Fire burned 80 acres and the Burke Road Fire burned an additional 28 acres. Both fires have been contained.

Fire crews are mopping up, patrolling and on the lookout for any additional fires that may have resulted from Friday ‘s lightning activity.