Single Publication

RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE Friday, August 9, 2024

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

Size: 530 acres
Start Date: July 17, 2024 Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning Total Personnel: 267

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

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. The Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Mitch Ketron, assumed command of the Red Fire on Thursday, August 8. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.

Yesterday’s Activities – Firefighters have almost completed the northern section of the shaded fuel break from Crescent Lake Resort to Odell Lake Resort. They are also extending it west along Forest Service Road (FSR) 60, which follows the northwest shore of Crescent Lake. Other team members worked on structure protection assessments around Odell Lake Resort, Diamond Peak Estates, Willamette Ski Resort, and surrounding homes. Road crews used heavy equipment to improve Forest Service Road 6010, making it safer and more accessible for firefighters and heavy equipment.

Today’s Activities – The Southern Area Gray Team is continuing efforts to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. Firefighters will soon finish 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 are preparing structure protection gear that can be deployed 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 – Mostly sunny with a high temperature of 78° and minimum humidity of 25%. Light winds from the west 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 be more visible today 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.