Klamath Hills Fire as seen from Lower Klamath Lake Road (Klamath County Fire District 1)

Firefighters scale the steep ridge to battle the Klamath Hills Fire (Klamath County Fire District 1)

Wildfire Confirmed South Of Klamath Falls

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Wildland firefighters in south central Oregon are working to contain a fire three miles southeast of Midland that was reported at 9 a.m. today, while continuing to battle ongoing fires in the area.

The Klamath Hills Fire has grown to 75 acres, and was 10 percent contained at 5 p.m. Eleven engines, two hand crews, two water tenders, one bulldozer, one heavy air tanker, two single engine air tankers and two helicopters are supporting firefighting efforts.

Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District is the lead agency responding to the fire. Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management, Fremont-Winema National Forest, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge are assisting in the firefighting efforts.

Klamath County Fire District 1, Klamath County Law Enforcement and Oregon State Police are supporting with structure protection and law enforcement.

The fire spread rapidly through grass during its initial stages. Fire managers are utilizing a full-suppression strategy to fight the fire, which has a significantly reduced fire activity. There are structures at risk, but no injuries or damage reported at this time.

The Secret Valley Fire, located approximately three miles south of Lofton Reservoir and 15 miles southeast of Bly, is now fully contained. Evacuation orders have been lifted and crews will continue to mop up over the next few days.

The Timber Crater Six Fire, located at the northeastern corner of Crater Lake National Park, one mile south of State Highway 138, has grown to 160 acres and is still zero percent contained.

Due to the fire’s continued growth and the large number of incidents on the park, a Type 2 incident management team has been called in to support local firefighting efforts. The team will assume responsibility for fighting the fire effective 6 p.m. this evening.

The park will continue to advise and assist the team, with additional support being provided by the Fremont-Winema National Forest. No personnel or structures are in danger. Travelers along State Highway 138 are advised to be aware of smoke in the area which may affect visibility.

The Blue Creek Fire, located at the southwestern base of Spodue Mountain, was kept at 40 acres and is 100 percent contained.

Oregon Department of Forestry responded to the fire on July 17 with assistance from the Fremont-Winema National Forest. One heavy air tanker, five SEATs, three helicopters, 10 engines, two water tenders and two bulldozers were used in the full-suppression response. Firefighters will continue to mop up over the next few days.

Firefighters continue to hold the Holbrook fire at 41 acres, which is now 90 percent contained. The fire is located approximately eight miles southeast of Gerber Reservoir on the Klamath Falls Resource Area. Lakeview BLM is the lead agency. Firefighters continued their full suppression response today with assistance from the Fremont-Winema National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry.

The teamwork displayed by firefighters, dispatchers, fire managers, and support staff from all agencies over the past few days continues to play a major role in the successful response to the numerous lightning-caused fires throughout south central Oregon.

Public and firefighter safety is the top priority for all partner agency employees.

Press release provided by South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership

Klamath Falls News coverage of the 2018 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Excel Auto Body.

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