More than 7,000 lightning strikes recorded in Oregon, Washington in 48 hours

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon and Washington were hit with more than 7,000 lightning strikes in the past 48 hours, firefighters say.

The lightning was produced by powerful thunderstorms that blew through the region on Aug. 17. The lightning sparked multiple fires, including the 200-acre Wicked Drive Fire burning in Northeast Washington. Other fires were extinguished by firefighters before they spread, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center spokesperson Carol Connolly told KOIN 6 News.

“Multiple initial attack fires have been reported and put out by Initial attack resources,” Connolly said.

Cooler temperatures, possibly more rain in Portland’s forecast

The rain and cooler temperatures provided by the storms, meanwhile, helped firefighters make substantial progress in containing some of the larger wildfires in Oregon and Washington. The Battle Mountain Complex, which has consumed 183,026 acres in Eastern Oregon, is now 94% contained, officials say. The 151,680-acre Falls Fire is also 95% contained.

“Significant containment has been made on our existing large fires,” Connolly said.

The largest wildfire burning in Oregon with less than 50% containment is the Diamond Complex in the Umpqua National Forest. As of Monday morning, the Diamond Complex is 10,984 acres and 33% contained. In Washington, the Williams Mine Fire burning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is 11,555 and 5% contained. The Pioneer Fire in Stehekin is 38,727 acres and 23% contained.

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