Thunderstorms, lightning spark new, small C.O. fires

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Saturday's intense thunderstorms also hit the region with hundreds of lightning strikes, some of which sparked new, small wildfires tackled by crews.

The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center said crews responded to four new incidents, with two crews working the largest, Incident 178, a one-acre fire burning in rugged terrain near the Metolius River on the Deschutes National Forest, northwest of the Perry South Campground.

Despite a quarter-inch to half-inch of rain across the region Saturday, "firefighters expect to continue responding to new incidents in the next couple of weeks," COIDC said in Sunday's update.

Late Saturday, a small fire atop Melvin Butte sent up smoke visible from Sisters and Eagle Crest.

"The public is reminded to take extra care with ignition sources and we move into warmer, drier conditions," the continued. "Ensure your spark arrestors are in good working order on motorized equipment and vehicles, secure trailer chains so they don’t drag on the road while traveling and bring extra water to extinguish campfires."