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RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE Thursday, August 8, 2024

541-208-1766, 2024.red@firenet.gov https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Size: 520 acres
Start Date: July 17, 2024 Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning Total Personnel: 280

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

Crescent, OR – The Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Mitch Ketron, assumed command of the fire on Thursday, August 8, at 6:00 a.m. local time. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire. The Red Fire is located within the Diamond Peak Wilderness on the Deschutes National Forest, on the southwest slope of Redtop Mountain. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy.

Yesterday’s Activities – Helicopter operations reduced flame intensity on the fire’s south perimeter. Firefighters worked to expand the shaded fuel break north from Crescent Lake Resort to Odell Lake Resort and are nearing completion. They are also extending it west along Forest Service Road (FSR) 60. Other crews finished removing 100 acres of ladder fuels (grass, brush, small trees, and low branches that can convey fire into tree canopies) between FSR 60 and the service road; this will create defensible space for residences there. Other team members worked on structure protection assessments around the Odell Lake Resort, Diamond Peak Estates, Willamette Ski Resort, and surrounding homes. Road crews used heavy equipment to improve roads near Summit Lake, making them safer and more accessible.

Today’s Activities – The Southern Area Gray Team will carry on the efforts begun by the Eastern Area Team to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. Firefighters will continue to extend the shaded fuel break north toward Odell Lake Resort and west along FSR 60. Crews are laying hose along the service road between FSR 60 and Crescent Lake, preparing structure protection gear that can be deployed if needed. Road improvement work will also continue near Summit Lake. Resource advisors from the Deschutes National Forest will continue to work closely with firefighters to protect sensitive areas.

Weather and Smoke – Light clouds, high temperatures 81° and low humidity of 19%. Light morning winds from the west with afternoon gusts to 17 mph. Smoke may be more visible today as the Red Fire encounters heavier fuels. Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures - The Deschutes National Forest has implemented an emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in the Diamond Peak Wilderness. The public should note that Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. Unauthorized drone flights (UAS) pose serious risks to the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfires to grow larger. If you fly, we can’t. More closure information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091

Evacuations – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for the 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). For information, or to sign up for alerts, visit: www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency -management

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds, are 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.

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