A large number of storm cells passed through Central Oregon July 15th 2026. Overall, the area covered by Central Oregon Fire Management Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry received more than 2000 lightning strikes, starting more than 50 fires. Since this morning (Friday, July 17), an additional 20+ starts have been engaged across the landscape.
The Central Oregon Type 3 IMT assumed command of 4 fires in the Twickenham area at 6 pm July 16: Red Rock, Camel Hump, Twickenham, and Crosswhite. Two additional new starts, Incidents 501 and 502, have also been rolled into this command. All of the fires continue to be wind driven and firefighters are challenged by steep, remote terrain and light fuels that allow the fires to spread quickly. Resources have been ordered to support suppression of these fires and will continue arriving this evening and tomorrow. A fire camp is being established in Fossil to support the firefighters.
Other fires that have seen growth today across the rest of Central Oregon include:
The Cove Creek Fire, approximately 3000 acres, started 1 mile East of the John Day Fossil Beds
The Hopkin Fire, Northwest of Condon and last estimated at 5000 acres this morning
The Porcupine Ridge Fire, approximately 4000 acres, burning Southwest of Condon
The Pilot Fire, 80-100 acres, at Milepost 13 on the Paulina Highway
The Akawa Fire, southwest of Lake Billy Chinook and estimated at 3200 acres
The Brewer Fire, approximately 3000 acres and burning to the East of the Brewer Reservoir
The Wilcox Fire, Southeast of Kent, estimated at 2500 acres
The Coyote Fire, South of Post, is approximately 300-400 acres
The Connant Fire, burning to the West of Post and estimated to be 100 acres
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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