Free Republic

Fires burning on about 212,000 acres across Oregon The Associated Press 7/21/02 12:54 AM Several major wildfires were burning on about 212,000 acres in Oregon on Saturday. Over 7,000 firefighters are working in the state. WINTER-TOOLBOX FIRES Started: in Lake County 07/12/02 and merged Saturday. Size: 83,000 acres Containment: Being determined Evacuations: Voluntary evacuations of 65 homes. Damage: Closed highway. On scene: 1,755 firefighters Cause: Lightning. EYERLY FIRE Started: 15 miles NE of Camp Sherman, 07/09/02. Size: 19,220 acres. Containment: 65 percent. Evacuations: None. Damage: 18 houses destroyed. On scene: 1,002 firefighters Cause: Lightning. MALHEUR COMPLEX Started: 8-25 miles from...

Officials say large fires may merge By 7/19/02 10:34 AM PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Two of the largest wildfires in southern Oregon had nearly merged Friday as the total acreage burned since lightning strikes touched off blazes around the state last weekend reached 191,000 acres. The Tool Box Complex and the Winter Complex were being closely monitored as crews were trying to stop flames from crossing Oregon Highway 31 and heading east into the high desert. The Toolbox Fire had burned 44,300 acres by Thursday night near the town of Paisley north of Klamath Falls. The blaze had spread to...