photo: Flat Fire

The Big Hole Fire, sparked by lightning, continues to burn north of 300 Road in the Deschutes National Forest near the Klamath – Lake County line.

Now mapped at over 54 acres, the fire threatens a local powerline corridor, and gusty winds from possible thunderstorms are raising new containment concerns. Full containment is anticipated by Tuesday.

The Marks Creek Fire east of Prineville on the Ochoco National Forest is around 1700 acres. It’s now fully lined. Its cause is under investigation.  Crook County Sheriff’s Office evacuation orders remain in place.

Central Oregon remains on high alert after recent storms brought both rainfall and more than 70 lightning-sparked incidents, with 46 wildfires reported this month alone.

The Black Rock fire is the region’s largest at over 32-thousand acres affecting Wasco, Sherman, Wheeler, and Gilliam counties.

Despite brief relief from rain, fire danger persists as grass, brush, and timber stay extremely dry.

Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions continue across the region, limiting campfires and the use of internal combustion engines during peak afternoon hours, except in certain developed campgrounds.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has also placed a Regulated Closure on protected lands, restricting fires, smoking, and equipment use.