Firefighters remained positioned around Central Oregon to respond quickly to any new wildfires started by this afternoon’s thunderstorms. Two new lightning fires were reported today and quickly contained. Heavy rainfall associated with the storm kept new starts to a minimum; however, firefighters will remain around the area to respond to any holdover fires that may occur over the next several days.

The Green Grass Fire (Incident #147) continued to challenge firefighting efforts throughout the day. The wind-driven fire has increased to about 2,000 acres and continues to burn in green grass along the west side of the John Day River canyon approximately 9 miles east of Kent. There are no structures threatened at this time. Resources on scene this evening include approximately 55 firefighters from the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service, with South and North Sherman County Rural Fire Departments providing mutual aid assistance.

The Green Grass Fire is located approximately nine miles east of Kent primarily in the Lower John Day River Area of Critical Environmental Concern/Resource Natural Area (ACEC/RNA). ACEC/RNA areas are given special management consideration for natural resource values such as outstanding scenery, cultural/historical values, or threatened and endangered species.

Fire crews successfully held the Geneva 6 fire through the burning period today, and reported the fire 100 percent contained at 5:30 this evening. The Geneva 6 fire is located on the Ochoco National Forest/Crooked River National Grassland, located 4 miles west of the Crooked River Ranch Subdivision and 12 miles northeast of the City of Sisters. The fire remains 102 acres.

Fire officials want to take this time to remind residents and visitors to Central Oregon to be careful with fire. Even with recent moisture associated with thunderstorms, vegetation can quickly dry out, increasing the potential for new starts.