Ranchers are coming together to protect their homes and livestock from a series of fires in Central Oregon.  Two lightning sparked wildfires have burned 179 square miles of mainly grass, juniper and sage.  The Capital Press reports, local ranchers are working together, using their own bulldozers and equipment, creating fire breaks, allowing cattle to safety evacuate.  At one point, 40 to 50 volunteers were helping ranchers save their livestock and trying to slowdown the fast moving wildfires.  Firefighters expect to have both fires fully contained by July 6th.

 

Ranchers will not be able to let their animals graze on the affected land for two years.

 

 

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