Lightning Sparked Fires Keep National Forest Crews Busy

Ashley Horn

Crews are responding to six new fires across the Willamette National Forest following Monday’s thunderstorms.

Officials planned two aerial reconnaissance flights Tuesday, to further assist in the detection of any new starts.

Claggett Fire, in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, is the largest at approximately two acres in size. It’s burning in heavy timber. A large helicopter dropped water on it throughout the evening Monday, with potential to continue through Tuesday.

Officials say to be aware of increased traffic as fire suppression efforts continue. With additional thunderstorms expected Tuesday, the public is asked to report to emergency officials if they see smoke.

For public safety, Roaring Creek Trail (#3361), Crown Lake Trail (3362), and Bear Point Trail (#3342) are closed. South Breitenbush Trail (#3375) is also closed from the intersection with Craig Trail (#3364) to its intersection with Bear Point Trail (#3342). Forest Service Road 4685 is closed just north of South Breitenbush Trailhead, as well as spur Road 4685-330. Nearby trailheads are also closed.

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Rachael McDonald is KLCC’s host for All Things Considered on weekday afternoons. She also is the editor of the KLCC Extra, the daily digital newspaper. Rachael has a BA in English from the University of Oregon. She started out in public radio as a newsroom volunteer at KLCC in 2000.