Lightning ignites at least 10 small fires

The first major lightning storm in Northeastern Oregon in almost a month sparked at least 10 small wildfires in the region Sunday evening.

None of the fires burned more than an acre, and firefighters had contained all of the blazes Sunday.

Fire crews searched for but were unable to find several other possible blazes that were reported after the storm, which passed over Baker City about 6 p.m.

A reconnaisance flight was scheduled this morning to look for those unconfirmed fires, said Judy Wing, public affairs officer for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Rain accompanied the lightning, with as much as half an inch reported, Wing said.

The Baker City Municipal Airport measured .12 of an inch.

That was the first rain reported at the airport since July 2.

The National Weather Service is forecasting thunderstorms both today and Tuesday.