Single Publication

RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE

Sunday, August 11, 2024

541-208-1766, 2024.red@firenet.gov

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire

https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Size: 585 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 267

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 is being managed under a full suppression strategy. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.

Yesterday’s Activities – The northern section of the shaded fuel break from Crescent Lake Resort to Odell Lake Resort is about 95% finished. Crews are also extending it west along Forest Service Road (FSR) 60, which follows the northwest shore of Crescent Lake. Hose and sprinklers have been laid along Whitefish Creek, which can be used to reduce fire intensity if it moves in that direction. Firefighters have finished structure assessments and prepared protection gear that can be deployed if needed. Road crews continued using heavy equipment to improve another one and a half miles of FSR 6010 near Summit Lake, making it safer and more accessible for firefighters and heavy equipment.

Today’s Activities – Firefighters are continuing efforts to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. They are finishing the shaded fuel break’s north section and will continue expanding it west along FSR 60. Crews working around residences near Crescent Lake’s northwest shore finished laying hose along the service road and today will install sprinklers that can protect structures if needed. Road improvement work will also continue on FSR 6010. Resource advisors from the Deschutes National Forest will continue to closely work with firefighters to protect sensitive areas.

Weather and Smoke – Sunny today with a high temperature of 74° and minimum humidity of 30%. Light winds from the west/northwest with afternoon gusts to 17 mph. Most smoke in the area is drifting in from other wildfires, but the Red Fire’s smoke output may become more visible as it 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. 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). 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 – 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.

Drone Restrictions – A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Red Fire area. Unauthorized drone (UAS) flights 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.