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Chiloquin, Ore. – Work to clear hazardous trees along the Sprague River Highway was completed yesterday. The highway was opened to the public at a reduced speed at 5:00 a.m. this morning. Motorists are advised to continue to exercise caution when driving through the area due to increased fire traffic in the area. School bus operations were allowed to operate with the opening of the road.

Last night crews strengthened the line around the fire, as well as mopping up around structures to 100’ and prepping the remaining homes. Crews continued to patrol around the perimeter, watching for any hot spots and identifying any areas of heat in the interior for the day shift to extinguish. Crews are also working with local Tribal agencies to identify and respectfully protect any cultural sites in the fire area.

Today will begin the transition to increasing the ‘cold black’ inside the fire perimeter. Three task forces will continue to patrol structures today, and hand crews and heavy equipment will build on last night’s work. Crews continue to increase the cool area along the perimeter of the fire, including hose lays in some areas. Over two miles of hose line has been deployed around the Corbell Butte area and along the southwest portion of fire line to reach interior areas and fortify the perimeter.

Due to the great progress on the fire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal will be demobilizing two task forces from Marion and Polk County to return to their local fire departments.
There have been no accidents or injuries reported during the suppression efforts on the fire.

Evacuation levels will continue to change with the increase of the fire containment. Evacuation levels are determined by the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with fire officials and agency administrators. Current evacuation areas and levels can be found at https://www.klamathcounty.org/300/Emergency-Management.