Single Publication

Size: 754 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath  

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 200 

Crescent, OR – The Red Fire is burning within the Diamond Peak Wilderness on the Deschutes National Forest, on the southwest slope of Redtop Mountain. An assessment by the initial attack incident commander, local fire managers, and fire staff determined the risk to responders was too great to continue with direct attack due to a lack of escape routes and safety zones, snag hazard, and firefighter safety issues in the remote location.  Full suppression utilizing shaded fuel breaks remains in place. The safety of fire staff and our public remain the management team’s highest priority in managing this fire.  

 Yesterday’s Activities – Work on the shaded fuel break between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake continued through removal of any brush and small diameter trees, retaining widely spaced mature trees, and hauling debris off site. The active fire perimeter is within 330 feet of the White Fish Creek Trail.  Dead and down logs and standing dead, insect-killed trees continue to burn.

Today’s Activities –Work continues on the two mile section between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake to remove small brush and trees and widen the shaded fuel break. Crews will work to the northwest of Summit Lake constructing the shaded fuel break, along FSR6010 and towards the Willamette FSR380 to connect with the work being done by the 208 MF fire.

Weather and Smoke –The low pressure system arrived and deposited .3 inches of precipitation over the fire area.  Though we expect additional amounts of rain today it will not be enough to significantly wet the interior of larger fuels such as standing dead trees and fallen logs.  The low pressure system will weaken and move out of the area this weekend and a warming and drying trend starts next week. 

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.