Jacksonville, Ore.– Cindy Furrow experienced first-hand what alightningstorm can doa tree in her backyard took a direct hit.
“It was too close to my house. Glad I was home when it happened,” said Furrow.
This was only one of nearly two dozen small fires caused by lightning Tuesday afternoonin the biggest storm the Rogue Valley has seen this year.
The action kept fire crews on their toes.
“We’ve been on five calls today and there’s been more then we can keep track of as far as smoke investigations in neighboring areas,” said Jacksonville Fireman , Brian Barrett.
The storm also brought hail to Talentand flooding to Ashland.
“The lightning struck all over us and then the rain… a torrential down pour,” said Jared Johnson.
Both the Oregon Department of Forestry and Jacksonville fire had hands on deck. Firefighter, Brian Barrett said they even got volunteers.Men and women knowing how much damage lightning can do,the potential for wildfire.
“We just want to get the fire out and under control before in makes its way up in the canopy and into peoples houses,” said Barrett.
ODF hadreconnaissancecrews out earlier this evening looking for fires in the air but theypulled them in at dark.
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