Lighting Caused Fires Erupt Throughout Central Oregon

Oregon's Governor during a recent inspection of fires in Central Oregon Photo by: Tim King

(PRINEVILLE) - Firefighters were on the move this morning responding to multiple fires across Central Oregon following Monday’s thunderstorms, which lit up the sky last evening.

Over 54 new fire starts are reported with most of the fires being single trees that were struck by lightning.

The largest fire, the Three Horse Fire, is approximately 400 acres in size and is located five miles southeast of Clarno in Wheeler County on Bureau of Land Management lands. The fire is burning in sage, grasses, and juniper.

Currently five engines (1 strike team) and multiple firefighters are responding with an additional strike team of engines anticipated this morning. The fire did get rain in the early morning, which helped to quiet the flames.

Tuesday’s weather forecast predicts additional isolated thunderstorms in the Cascade and Ochoco mountain ranges.