Last week, thunderstorms plagued Josephine and Jackson Counties. Then, in a 13-hour period, crews responded to about 50 reports of fire in the region. On top of the fires, the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District also dealt with the loss of camera equipment that aids in fire detection.
“Unfortunately, we're one detection camera site down in northeastern Jackson County after a few unwelcome visitors took the liberty of breaking into our lookout tower and helping themselves to our equipment,” the agency stated in a Facebook post.
Natalie Weber is the public information officer for the ODF Southwest Oregon District. She joins us with details on how the agency has been handling the challenges of this year's fire season.