Single Publication

Size: 737 acres
Start Date: July 17, 2024 Cause: Lightning Containment: 0% Total Personnel: 200 (Note: the 8/21 update had a typo of 118, 200 personnel is correct)

Crescent, OR – The Red Fire is burning within the Diamond Peak Wilderness of the Deschutes National Forest, on the southwest slope of Redtop Mountain. The fire continues being managed under a full suppression strategy. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.

Yesterday’s Activities – Crews continued progress constructing the shaded fuel break between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake. Processing of woody debris was completed on the shaded fuel break on the northwest side of Crescent Lake. Work on the fuel break between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake consisted of distributing the chipped material to allow regrowth and hauling of materials offsite.

Today’s Activities – Completion of work along the northwest side of Crescent Lake. Crews will move to the fuel break along Snake Lake Trail, between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake, improving by reducing the chipped material depth to enhance vegetation regrowth.

Weather and Smoke – We are still expecting wet, chilly weather across the fire area with light rain today through Sunday. https://fire.airnow.gov/. The team established a weather station at the airport for local weather, and rain gauges to evaluate rain impacts on fuel moisture and fire weather. White smoke from areas of heat along the fire perimeter yesterday indicated continued burning and availability of heavy fuels.

Closures – The Deschutes National Forest emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in Diamond Peak Wilderness is still in effect. The public should note that Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. More closure information is available at: https://www.fsa.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091

Evacuations – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction areas remains in effect (INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction). Visit www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency- management for more information or to sign up for alerts.

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions – which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds – remain in effect for the Deschutes National Forest. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level IV “General Shutdown.” Visit fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information.

Drone Restrictions – Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized drones (UAS) are in the area. Unauthorized drone use over a fire area poses serious risks to fire personnel and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, we can’t.