PAISLEY, Ore. – The Watson Creek Fire grew to 350 acres earlier today due to difficult terrain and poor visibility.

The fire was confirmed yesterday at 2:55 p.m. approximately 15 miles west of Paisley. The fire is burning on the Fremont-Winema National Forest Paisley Ranger District

Firefighters are working in difficult terrain with limited access. The fire is currently actively burning to the northeast.

Initial attack resources on scene: Air Attack, two heavy air tankers, three helicopters, six engines, two water tenders, three dozers, multiple overhead, and a 10-person handcrew. The use of additional aircraft for support has been limited by visibility in the area. A Type II Incident Management Team has been ordered to assume command of operations.

Due to the fire situation road closures and evacuations are being put in place.

Forest Service 28 RD – South from junction of FS road 30 to FS road 34, at the junction with FS road 29, and at the junction with FS road 3315.
Forest Service 29 RD (aka Government Harvey) – At Oregon State Hwy 31, west to FS road 28, and southwest of FS road 3360.
Forest Service 30 Rd (aka Marsh Road) – east from FS road 3239 to FS road 28, and at the junction with FS road 3372.
Forest Service 34 RD – at Corral Creek Campground, east to the FS road 28, at the junction with FS road 28, at the junction with FS road 3372.
Forest Service RD 3411 (aka Lee Thomas Road) – east from the forest boundary to FS road 28.

Recreation site closures: Currier Guard Station, Currier Trailhead, Bald Butte Lookout, Campbell Lake Campground, Dead Horse Lake Campground and Trailhead, Hanan/Sycan Campground and Trailhead, Lee Thomas Campground and Trailhead, North Fork Sprague Trailhead, Pikes Crossing Campground, Rock Creek Campground, Sandhill Crossing Campground, and Winter Rim Trailhead

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

Community and firefighter safety is the number one priority for all South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) employees. For that reason, the public is asked to avoid the fire area to allow firefighters unimpeded access.

Every fire can appear different visually depending on the amount of vegetation and how long fire has been historically absent from the area. This includes wildfires and prescribed fires.

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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