Source: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
Firefighters are responding to a new wildfire ignited by the lightning storm that passed through Central Oregon yesterday afternoon. The Deadman Canyon Fire started yesterday on private land and moved on to BLM lands this afternoon. The fire, now approximately 400 acres, is burning in a remote area east of Highway 97 and north of Hwy 218; approximately 3 ½ miles northeast of the junction of Hwy 97 and 218. One home with several outbuildings is currently threatened by the fire.
The Deadman Canyon Fire is currently staffed with three helicopters and one single engine air tanker (SEAT), four engines, two handcrews, one dozer and two water tenders. Fire crews from the Prineville BLM are being assisted by Jefferson County Fire District #1, as well as by many local landowners. The fire is burning in juniper, sagebrush and grass vegetation in an area with limited access.
Central Oregon received more than 800 lightning strikes over the past 24 hours, and five new wildfires started from this storm. In addition to the Deadman Canyon fire, several single-tree fires were quickly contained. Firefighters will remain on standby for any additional lightning “holdover” fires that are reported. Additional thunderstorms predicted for this evening bring the potential for new lightning starts.
With conditions warming on the High Desert, fire officials want to take this time to remind visitors and residents of Central Oregon to be careful with fire. Vegetation is drying quickly, and the lighter fuels like grass and shrubs can be very receptive to an ignition source. Everyone should make sure to extinguish cigarettes inside vehicles and be sure campfires are “dead out” before leaving a site.