New C.O. storms bring large hail, rain and lightning that sparks 11 new fires, spreads old one

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new burst of thunderstorms Monday afternoon brought towering clouds, rain, golf ball-sized hail and lightning that sparked nearly a dozen new blazes around the region and kicked up a fire north of Madras.

The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center reported crews responded to 11new fires by late Monday, mostly in and around the Ochoco National Forest, on state Department of Forestry-protected private lands and land managed by the BLM's Prineville District.

On the Ochoco forest, crews, a bulldozer and a helicopter were working to stop Incident 724 near McKay Creek and Harvey Gap and keep it small.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service reported hail just over an inch in size fell about nine miles southeast of Bend.

Jeanette King, who lives in the Sundance neighborhood, called it the biggest hail she’s seen in 11 years in Central Oregon. “It damaged my garden plants, but not much else,” she said.

Monday's weather also caused some issues for the two nearly-contained wildfires north of Madras, sparked by lightning from storms late last week.

Here's Monday evening's update on those fires:

Deep Creek and Johnson Ridge Fire Update, August 2

 Forecast Red Flag conditions pushed on the Deep Creek perimeter today and a spot fire jumped outside of containment lines. Crews were able to quickly respond and hold the spot to 1.5 acres. It is contained at this time.

The small slop-over was on the south side of the Deep Creek Fire, where crews focused mop up efforts today to secure the rest of the fire perimeter. The fire burning 21 miles north of Madras is 95% contained at 1,248 acres.

The Johnson Ridge Fire remains 95% contained at 789 acres. The fire is burning 9 miles northwest of Shaniko and firefighters will continue to cool hot spots along the perimeter until the fire is fully contained.  

Crews will continue to looks for hot spots on both fires and the public may see some interior smoke inside the fire area.

Due to the heat and wind this afternoon, the Type 3 Incident Management Team remains in command of the fire today. Tomorrow, the team will transition back to a Type 4 Team under the management of the BLM Prineville District in the late afternoon. The BLM Prineville District and Bakeoven/Shaniko Rural Fire Protection Association will continue to work in unified command on the fires.

A National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and abundant lightning that remains in place through 11:00 p.m. tonight for parts of the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest and Prineville District BLM. Learn more at: https://www.weather.gov/pdt/

For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire