Oregon Firepage

We're getting some news that some fire starts likely caused by lightning storms that have set off some new lightning-caused fires in the Upper McKenzie in the Willamette National.

Thanks to the McKenzie Fire District for posting this heads up on these new smokers - be safe out there folks!

As of 8:00pm, approximately 40 new lightning caused fires have been reported on the Forest. Firefighting resources are being prioritized and assigned to fires that pose the greatest potential for fire spread or pose risk to important values such as recreation areas and being in proximity to private lands. All new fires are estimated to be one acre or less in size.

It is with great sadness that the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office shares the tragic death of one of our own. Deputy Chris Jones, a twelve year veteran of our office, was killed in an off duty motorcycle crash yesterday evening in Wheeler County.

Sheriff L. Shane Nelson said today, “Chris was a kind man with a positive attitude. He will be missed by our office and our community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and teammates.”

We have lost a coworker, a friend, a loved one, and a brother. Our thoughts are with Chris’ family during this extremely difficult time.

The Deschutes County Sheriff Employee’s Association (DCSEA) has established a GoFund Me page to support his family in the coming weeks. The page can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jones-family-benevolant-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Additional details will be released as they are made available to us by his family.

With the weather getting hotter in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere in Oregon, let's be extremely careful out there this Summer folks. With things getting extremely dry as they are now, the fire danger can climb to dangerous levels if folks aren't careful. So, let's be safe out there!