More Support Called In To Battle Oregon Wildfire

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — Help is on the way for crews facing a new wildfire that's threatening more than 130 homes in southern Oregon's Jackson County.

A storm that moved through the area yesterday afternoon helped a fire that began the day before between Eagle Point and Shady Cove grow to about 300 acres, crossing containment lines.

Residents along several roads in the area have been given mandatory evacuation notices, and others, less serious advisories.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has authorized the state fire marshal to send in structural firefighters and equipment.

In the central part of the state, fire officials say 7,000 lightning strikes blanketed the region, and fire crews responded to 14 new fires. But all were tiny blazes.