MADRAS, OR -- Lightning moved through Central Oregon Sunday, sparking more than a dozen reports of smoke columns. One incident near Madras grew to around 2,700 acres, as of Monday morning.
The Elk Lane Fire was first reported at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday, forcing evacuations west of Madras. Click HERE for the latest map. Belmont Lane is closed from the PGE gates to SW Columbia, and drivers are asked to avoid Mountain View Drive for fire apparatus. The Red Cross opened a temporary evacuation site in the Jefferson County fairgrounds parking lot.
Monday Morning, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Elk Lane Fire. The State Fire Marshal says two task forced pre-positioned in the region for the weekend helpd local firefighters protect structures. More resources are nw heading to the area, following the Governor's declaration.
Northeast of Antelope, the Bennett Fire has burned 400 acres. Authorities report crews made good progress overnight. And, ten miles south of Spray, the Wildhorse Fire has burned 60 acres of what fire managers say is very challenging terrain.
Photo of the Elk Lane Fire provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
