Lightning Creek Fire exceeds initial attack efforts

HOPE — A wildfire in the Lightning Creek drainage has quickly grown since it was first reported late Wednesday, July 30 and is now estimated at 200-250 acres, thanks in part to storm systems that moved through the region this week, U.S. Forest Service officials said Saturday.

Engines were dispatched, but terrain, access, and nighttime visibility prevented any action on the fire located about 8 miles east/northeast of Hope, said Kary Maddox, USFS fire information officer. The next morning, the fire was estimated about a half-acre. 

Engines and a module of firefighters were able to take direct suppression action, digging fire line around half the fire but crews were unable to complete due to location, vegetation, terrain, and abundant snag hazards in the 2018 Cougar Fire scar, Maddox said.

A Type 3 helicopter was ordered and conducted water bucket drops while crews worked. Friday, Aug. 1, the Panhandle Hotshots and an additional engine module were assigned to the fire, Maddox said.

"While they worked on snagging operations to gain safe access, four fire bosses and the helicopter continued water drops on the fire," she added.

However, the storm systems that moved through the region this past week brought erratic winds and thunder cells, resulting in periods of time when aircraft were grounded for safety. 

The fire is now estimated at 200-250 acres; additional resources have been ordered, and an emergency closure is in place for public and firefighter safety. 

Lightning Creek Road (FSR 419) is closed from the junction of Trestle Creek Road (FSR 275) to Regal Creek. Additional closures may be necessary.

    Storm systems that moved through the region this week, have pushed a fire in the Lightning Creek drainage past initial attack efforts. It is now estimated between 200 to 250 acres.