PHOTOS: Firefighters are contending with a mix of lightning, hail, and heavy rainfall this week as they continue to face the Emigrant Fire. The fire ignited on Aug. 24 and is now burning 32,294 acres and is 10% contained. Thunderstorms brought lightning strikes to the region Monday, leading to 10 new wildfires erupting in the Willamette Valley, and 14 more wildfires igniting within the Umpqua National Forest. Most of the newly sparked fires remain small and contained, whereas the Emigrant Fire has been burning near Oakridge since Aug. 24, continuing to be the largest threat in the area. While the most recent precipitation helped to slow the spread of the Emigrant Fire, it also introduced new hazards: the potential for additional lightning-caused ignitions, falling trees weakened by wind and slippery terrain. Currently, firefighters are working around the clock to contain this fire.
Due to the recent rain, the majority of the fire is described as “backing.” This means it is burning slowly, moving against wind or downhill. When this happens, flames are often smaller and lower to the ground. The fire is mostly creeping and smoldering, which means it’s not moving quickly or at a very high intensity. Although it might not look as dangerous as when seen with large, full flames, “backing fires” still need to be monitored closely, to manage whether the changing conditions cause the fire to refuel when aligned with certain topography, steep terrain and vegetation. Currently, firefighters are working around the clock to contain this fire.
