Incident Publication
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM
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Publication Type: Announcement
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS
* Impacts: Lightning on dry vegetation will likely result in new fire starts. Gusty thunderstorm winds could contribute to fire spread. Despite rainfall with storms, initial attack resources could be overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible.
* Affected areas: In South Central OR Fire Weather Zones...624 and 625 including the communities of Klamath Falls, Chemult, Bly, and Lakeview.
View the hazard area in detail at: https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
Avoid tossing burning cigarettes on the ground, parking hot vehicles on dry vegetation, and using equipment that can cause sparks. Follow all fire restrictions. Find links to restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire.
One less spark, one less wildfire. Gather your fire evacuation kit now. Collect essentials you don`t want to lose and prioritize your checklist. Visit ready.gov/kit for more information.
Familiarize yourself with your evacuation plan. Where will you go? How will you get there? Who will you call to let others know your are safe? Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information.
A Red Flag Warning does not mean there is a fire. It means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire threatens.
Bootleg Fire Daily Update July 30
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Publication Type: News
Bootleg Update July 30, 2021
Location: 28 miles northeast of Klamath Falls, OR Size: 413,545 acres
Personnel: 1,928 Containment: 53%
(Klamath Falls, OR) – Yesterday was another day of elevated fire activity and the same is expected today. Most flare ups were interior pockets of fuel burning out. In the northwest corner, construction was completed to join the line north of Round Butte and work continues to improve it. Crews are using hose lays, mop up, and patrol to contain and improve the line. Ops Section Chief Brad Washa reported that there remains approximately 160 miles of uncontained line in a fire that has over 300 miles of perimeter.
When fuels, weather, and topography align, there is high potential for aggressive fire spread. Previous spot fires are contained and inactive, but concerns remain for potential out-flow winds associated with thunderstorms and impacts to open fire line. Most spotting has been on the northeast edge toward Winter Rim, but any active section of the fire can throw embers and lightning can create new starts. Fuels remain receptive to burning—ignition likelihood is approximately 80-90%—and any undetected spot fires have the potential for rapid rates of spread. Deputy Incident Commander Tom Kurth reminded crews that it could be a “rowdy fire day with the potential for new starts, line breaks, and new fire behavior.” He encouraged them to stay safe and maintain situational awareness.
Aerial resources are critical in holding existing fire line and supporting ground crews. Current water drops are focused on the active northwest corner and along the “dirty edge” of the eastern flank of the fire, where they can help cool the area and allow firefighters on the ground to make progress. Air operations slow down the spread of fire and buy time for crews to get on the ground. Brian Deck, Air Ops Branch, said initial air attack “is like preventative medical care; it is easier to prevent fires from spreading than treat large fires.” Sam Martin, who conducts air operations for the USDA Forest Service agreed, “we don’t put fires out without boots on the ground.”
Yesterday, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms moved through the region. Scattered thunderstorms are possible through today. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for this afternoon and evening for lightning over dry fuels. Winds are expected to pick up with strong gusts and erratic winds associated with the storms, this weather is expected to continue through the weekend. More information is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7609/62198/
Evacuations: Evacuations are dynamic. Klamath County has dropped all evacuation notices; however, the Fremont-Winema National Forest remains closed. Evacuation levels were lowered in Lake County. The best way to view the evacuation designation boundaries and details is on the interactive map available at tinyurl.com/bootlegevac
Red Cross Evacuation Shelters: For information or assistance: 1-800-Red-Cross (www.redcrossblog.org/disaster)
Insurance Assistance: For additional information on submitting insurance claims after losing your home or property to a wildfire, please visit https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/storm/Pages/wildfires.aspx or call the state’s team of consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free).
Closures: The Fremont-Winema National Forest is closed to the public in the fire area. The full closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/fremont-winema/alerts-notices
Smoke: Smoke from the Dixie Fire in Northern California could once again affect the southern part of the region today. The Bootleg and other nearby fires, including the Jack Fire just to the northwest of the region, continue to impact air quality on our region. Today, we will see another good to moderate day of air quality. Periods of moderate air quality will be brief. See: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/southcentraloregon
Fire Information Public Phone: 541-482-1331 Fire Information Media Phone: 971-727-7255
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BootlegFireInfo
Twitter: twitter.com/BootlegFireInfo Hashtags: #BootlegFire #FireYear2021
Actualizacion del Incendio de Bootleg Julio 30 2021
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Publication Type: News
Actualizacion del Incendio de Bootleg Julio 30, 2021
Localización: 28 millas noreste de Klamath Falls, OR Tamaño: 413,545 acres
Personal: 1,928 Contención: 53%
(Klamath Falls, OR) – - Ayer, fue otro día con actividad de fuego elevada y hoy se espera lo mismo. La mayoría de las llamaradas fueron en bolsillos de combustibles forestales que se estaban quemando. En la esquina noroeste, se completó la construcción para unir la línea al norte de Round Butte y se continúa trabajando para mejorarla. Las cuadrillas están utilizando tendidos de mangueras, liquidación y patrullaje para contener y mejorar la línea. El jefe de la Sección de Operaciones, Brad Washa, informó que quedan aproximadamente 160 millas de línea no contenida en un incendio que tiene más de 300 millas de perímetro.
Cuando los combustibles, el clima y la topografía se alinean, existe un alto potencial de propagación agresiva del fuego. Los focos secundarios anteriores están contenidos e inactivos, pero sigue habiendo preocupación por posibles vientos asociados con tormentas eléctricas que causaran impactos y broches en la línea de fuego. La mayoría de la producción de focos secundarios han ocurrido en el borde noreste hacia Winter Rim, pero cualquier sección activa del fuego puede proyectar brasas y los rayos pueden crear nuevos incendios. Los combustibles permanecen receptivos a la combustión (la probabilidad de ignición es de aproximadamente 80-90%) y cualquier foco secundario no detectado tiene el potencial de alta tasa de diseminación. El Comandante auxiliar del incidente, Tom Kurth, les recordó a las cuadrillas que podría ser un "día de fuego alborotado con la posibilidad de nuevos incendios, sobrepasos de la línea y nuevos comportamientos de fuego". Los animó a mantenerse a salvo y mantener el reconocimiento de la situación.
Los recursos aéreos son fundamentales para mantener la línea de fuego existente y apoyar a las cuadrillas en la tierra. Las descargas de agua actualmente se concentran en la esquina activa del noroeste a lo largo del "borde sucio" del flanco este del fuego, donde pueden ayudar a enfriar el área y permitir que los bomberos en la tierra progresen. Las operaciones aéreas disminuyen la propagación del fuego y aumentan el tiempo para que las tripulaciones lleguen a las áreas. Brian Deck, del Sucursal de Operaciones Aéreas, dijo que el ataque aéreo inicial “es como atención médica preventiva; es más fácil prevenir la propagación de los incendios que tratar los grandes incendios ". Sam Martin, que realiza operaciones aéreas para el Servicio Forestal del USDA, estuvo de acuerdo en que "no apagamos incendios sin las botas en el suelo".
Ayer, lluvias dispersas y tormentas eléctricas aisladas se movieron por la región. Las tormentas eléctricas dispersas son posibles hasta el día de hoy. Una Advertencia de Bandera Roja está presente para esta tarde y noche por la posibilidad de rayos sobre combustibles secos. Se espera que los vientos aumenten con fuertes ráfagas y vientos erráticos asociados con las tormentas, este clima continuara durante el fin de semana. Más información disponible en https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7609/62198/
Evacuaciones: Evacuaciones son dinámicas. El condado de Klamath ha terminado todos los avisos de evacuación; sin embargo, el Bosque Nacional Fremont-Winema permanece cerrado. Los niveles de evacuación se han reducidos nuevamente en el condado de Lake. La forma más eficaz de ver las áreas y bordes de las nuevas designaciones de evacuaciones es en el mapa interactivo disponible en tinyurl.com/bootlegevac.
Refugios de evacuación de la Cruz Roja: Para obtener información o asistencia: 1-800-Red-Cross, (www.redcrossblog.org/disaster).
Asistencia de seguros: Para obtener información adicional sobre cómo presentar reclamaciones de seguros después de perder su casa o propiedad en un incendio forestal, visite https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/storm/Pages/wildfires.aspx o llame al equipo de defensores estatal del consumidor al 888-877-4894 (llamada gratuita).
Cierres: El Bosque Nacional Fremont-Winema está cerrado al público en el área del incendio. El mapa y la orden completa están disponibles en inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/.
Pronostico del humo: Hoy, el humo del Incendio de Dixie en el norte de California podría afectar una vez más a la parte sur de la región. El Bootleg y otros incendios cercanos, incluido el Incendio de Jack justo al noroeste de la región, continúan afectando la calidad del aire en nuestra región. Hoy veremos otro día con un índice de buena a moderada calidad del aire. Los períodos de calidad del aire moderada serán breves. Visite: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/southcentraloregon.
Información sobre el incendio para el público: 541-482-1331 Información del incendio para la media: 971-727-7255
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BootlegFireInfo
Twitter: twitter.com/BootlegFireInfo Hashtags: #BootlegFire #FireYear2021
Remain Vigilant to Potential Wildfire Hazards Stay Fire Safe Lake County
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Media ReleaseJuly 30, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Melanie Lasley(541) 947-6003
mlasley@co.lake.or.us
Lakeview, OR – Evacuations. Evacuation levels have not changed in Lake County since July 28. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management are heavily engaged with the fire’s incident management team and constantly assessing the need to raise or lower evacuation levels to keep residents safe.
Critical fire weather is forecast in the Bootleg Fire area for the next several days, which may cause more active fire behavior, and/or include new lightning starts. County leadership and fire teams ask that Lake County residents remain vigilant to potential wildfire hazards. In particular, areas along Highway 31 north of Monument Rock and south of the community of Summer Lake, the majority of which are currently in a Level 2 evacuation, should “Be Set” to evacuate if necessary.
In short, the Bootleg Fire is still a long way from being contained and out. Stay fire safe, Lake County!
Please use the link to the interactive map below to view current evacuation levels.
Fire Information. Find the latest fire information, which is published by the Bootleg Fire Incident Management Team, via the links below.
Bootleg Interactive Evacuation Map: https://kcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4bfb02b41eb7473ca95b04c3cbd1da21
Inciweb Incident Information System: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BootlegFireInfo
Lake County Website/Facebook Page: https://www.lakecountyor.org/index.php andhttps://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906
06022107 FIRE AREA EMERGENCY CLOSURE FREMONTWINEMA NATIONAL FOREST
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Publication Type: Closures
ORDER NO. 06-02-21-07
FIRE AREA EMERGENCY CLOSURE
FREMONT-WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551, 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands and roads within the following described area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Bly, Chemult, Chiloquin, Lakeview, Paisley and Silver Lake Ranger Districts, as described in the attached Exhibit A. This Order becomes effective on July 27, 2021, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2021, or until rescinded.
This order supersedes and rescinds order #06-02-21-05 signed by Forest Supervisor Barry Imler on July 12, 2021.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Going onto or being within an area closed for public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53 (e)
2. Being upon a closed road. 36 CFR § 261.54 (e)
The area described below will be closed to public access/entry due to hazards and hazardous conditions created as a result of the Bootleg Fire.
AFFECTED AREA/CLOSURE AREA:
All National Forest System lands south of Silver Lake Road between U.S. Highway 97 and Oregon State Highway 31. All National Forest System lands west of Oregon State Highway 31 and U.S. Highway 395 between Silver Lake Road and the junction with Oregon State Highway 140. All National Forest System lands north of Oregon State Highway 140 between U.S. Highway 395 and Sprague River Road. All National Forest System lands northeast of Sprague River Road from the junction with Oregon State Highway 140 through Chiloquin. All National Forest System lands east of U.S. Highway 97 between Chiloquin and Silver Lake Road. Refer to the attached map (Exhibit A).
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Owners or lessees of land in the affected area.
This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).
Done at Lakeview, Oregon, on _July 27, 2021_, at ________ AM / PM.
Bootleg Fire Daily Update July 31
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Bootleg Update July 31, 2021
Location: 28 miles northeast of Klamath Falls, OR Size: 413,562 acres
Personnel: 1,918 Containment: 56%
(Klamath Falls, OR) – “At this point in the fire, we have to think about two things,” says Fire Behavior Analyst Chris Moore, “the fire we know about and the fire we don’t know.” The fire we know is the actively and recently burned portions of the Bootleg Fire. Much of the recent fire activity has been torching and burning pockets of fuel within the burn area. While the fire is not yet contained, a fire line has been constructed around the entire perimeter. Now crews are working to ensure that perimeter holds (is secured) to contain the fire. In some places, fire line is 100 to 150 feet wide from the unburned into the burned area. But some places may require as much as 300 feet to confidently expect the fire to remain contained.
Along the south, west, and east perimeters, crews are patrolling and extinguishing residual fire and heat (mopping up) where the fire is less active. The goal is to extend the line wide enough into the burned area to make fire escape unlikely based on the potential fire behavior, fuels, and terrain.
In the more active northwest and northeast corners of the fire, crews are working to strengthen and expand the fire line. Contingency lines, or fire breaks, further out from the perimeter, are also being constructed. The “fire we don’t know” is the potential for ember-sparked spot fires from these active areas or new fires sparked by lightning strikes that could occur.
Critical fire weather is forecast in the Bootleg Fire area over the weekend. Current drought conditions combined with low relative humidity, strong surface wind, and unstable air may cause more active fire behavior. In these places where the fire line is not secured, there is a potential for wind to carry embers and spark spot fires. The terrain in the northwest could encourage rapid spread of the fire and make it more difficult to control. Likewise, in the northeast corner, spot fires could continue to press up against Winter Rim and ultimately threaten structures along Summer Lake and Highway 31. Although Lake County evacuation designations have lifted, residents in this area should remain vigilant to changing fire behavior and should “Be Set” to evacuate if necessary.
A Red Flag Warning for lightning over dry fuels is in effect for Saturday afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to be light, but strong gusts and erratic winds could be associated with thunderstorms. More information is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7609/62198/
Evacuations: Evacuations are dynamic. Klamath County has dropped all evacuation notices; however, the Fremont-Winema National Forest remains closed north of Oregon Route 140. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management removed all residences in Lake County outside of the fire’s perimeter from a Level 3 evacuation. County leadership and fire teams ask that Lake County residents remain vigilant to potential wildfire hazards. In particular, areas along Highway 31 north of Monument Rock and south of the community of Summer Lake should “Be Set” to evacuate if necessary. The best way to view the evacuation designation boundaries and details is on the interactive map available at tinyurl.com/bootlegevac
Red Cross Evacuation Shelters: For information or assistance: 1-800-Red-Cross (www.redcrossblog.org/disaster)
Insurance Assistance: For additional information on submitting insurance claims after losing your home or property to a wildfire, please visit https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/storm/Pages/wildfires.aspx or call the state’s team of consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free).
Closures: The Fremont-Winema National Forest is now open south of Oregon State Route 140. Closures remain in effect north of the highway to provide for public safety and the safety of firefighters. The full closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/fremont-winema/alerts-notices
Smoke: Overall, today will be a generally good to moderate air quality day. Wind flow could bring in smoke from some of the neighboring fires (Jack, Dixie, and others). Models show that smoke from the Jack Fire could affect parts of Crater Late later today into tonight. Smoke from the Bootleg Fire could affect some of the eastern locations in this region, including Paisley and Silver Lake. These effects are likely to continue into tomorrow morning. See: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/southcentraloregon
Fire Information Public Phone: 541-482-1331 Fire Information Media Phone: 971-727-7255
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BootlegFireInfo
Twitter: twitter.com/BootlegFireInfo Hashtags: #BootlegFire #FireYear2021
Actualizacion del Incendio de Bootleg Julio 31 2021
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Actualizacion del Incendio de Bootleg Julio 31, 2021
Localización: 28 millas noreste de Klamath Falls, OR Tamaño: 413,562 acres
Personal: 1,918 Contención: 56%
(Klamath Falls, OR) – - "En este punto del incendio, tenemos que pensar en dos cosas", dice el Analista de Comportamiento del Fuego Chris Moore, "el incendio que conocemos y el incendio que no conocemos". El incendio de Bootleg que conocemos son las partes que queman activamente y quemaron recientemente. Gran parte de la actividad reciente del incendio ha consistido en fuegos de antorcha y la quema de bolsillos de combustibles forestales aun no quemados dentro del área de combustión. Mientras, el incendio aún no está contenido, se ha construido una línea de fuego alrededor de todo el perímetro. Ahora las cuadrillas están trabajando para afirmar que el perímetro se mantenga para asegurar la contención del fuego. En algunos lugares, la línea de fuego tiene de 100 a 150 pies de ancho desde el área sin quemar hasta el área quemada. Pero algunos lugares pueden requerir hasta 300 pies para asegurar la contención del fuego.
A lo largo de los perímetros sur, oeste y este, las cuadrillas están patrullando y extinguiendo fuegos residuales y áreas hipertérmicas (liquidando) donde el fuego es menos activo. El objetivo es extender la línea lo suficientemente amplia en el área quemada para hacer que el sobrepaso de incendios sea poco probable dependiendo del comportamiento potencial del fuego, los combustibles y el terreno.
En las esquinas más activas del noroeste y noreste del incendio, las cuadrillas están trabajando para fortalecer y expandir la línea de fuego. También se están construyendo líneas de contingencia, o cortafuegos, más lejos del perímetro. El "fuego que no conocemos" es el potencial de focos secundarios provocados por las brasas en estas áreas activas o nuevos incendios provocados por rayos que podrían ocurrir.
Se pronostica un clima crítico de incendios en el área de Bootleg durante el fin de semana. Las condiciones actuales de sequía combinadas con baja humedad relativa, fuertes vientos terrenales y aire inestable pueden causar un comportamiento del fuego más activo. En estos lugares donde la línea de fuego no está asegurada, existe la posibilidad de que el viento lance brasas y provoque focos secundarios. El terreno en el noroeste podría provocar la rápida propagación del fuego y hacer que sea difícil de controlar. Del mismo modo, en la esquina noreste, los focos secundarios podrían continuar presionando contra Winter Rim y, en última instancia, amenazar las estructuras a lo largo de Summer Lake y la autopista 31. Aunque las designaciones de evacuación del condado de Lake se han descartado, los residentes en esta área deben permanecer atentos a los cambios en el comportamiento del fuego y deberían " Preparase” para evacuar si es necesario.
Una Advertencia de Bandera Roja por relámpagos sobre combustibles secos está en efecto para el sábado por la tarde y la noche. Se espera que los vientos sean leves, pero las ráfagas fuertes y vientos erráticos podrían estar asociados con tormentas eléctricas. Más información está disponible en https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7609/62198/.
Evacuaciones: Las evacuaciones son dinámicas. El condado de Klamath ha retirado todos los avisos de evacuación; sin embargo, el Bosque Nacional Fremont-Winema permanece cerrado al norte de la Ruta 140 de Oregon. La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Lake y el Manejo de Emergencias concluyeron las evacuaciones de Nivel 3 a todas las residencias en el Condado de Lake fuera del perímetro del incendio. Los líderes del Condado y bomberos piden que los residentes del condado de Lake permanezcan atentos a los posibles peligros de incendios forestales. En particular, las áreas a lo largo de la autopista 31 al norte de Monument Rock y al sur de la comunidad de Summer Lake deben "estar preparadas" para evacuar si es necesario. La forma más eficaz de ver las áreas y bordes de las nuevas designaciones de evacuaciones es en el mapa interactivo disponible en tinyurl.com/bootlegevac.
Refugios de evacuación de la Cruz Roja: Para obtener información o asistencia: 1-800-Red-Cross, (www.redcrossblog.org/disaster).
Asistencia de seguros: Para obtener información adicional sobre cómo presentar reclamaciones de seguros después de perder su casa o propiedad en un incendio forestal, visite https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/storm/Pages/wildfires.aspx o llame al equipo de defensores estatal del consumidor al 888-877-4894 (llamada gratuita).
Cierres: El Bosque Nacional Fremont-Winema ahora está abierto al sur de la Ruta Estatal 140 de Oregon. Los cierres permanecen en efecto al norte de la carretera para brindar seguridad para el público y los bomberos. El mapa y la orden completa están disponibles en inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/.
Pronostico del humo: En general, hoy será un día con el índice de calidad de aire de buena a moderada. El flujo de viento podría traer humo de algunos de los incendios adyacente (Jack, Dixie y otros). Hoy, los modelos muestran que el humo del incendio de Jack podría afectar partes del cráter por la tarde hasta esta noche. El humo del Incendio de Bootleg podría afectar algunas de las ubicaciones en el este de esta región, incluidas Paisley y Silver Lake. Es probable que estos efectos continúen hasta temprano mañana. Visite: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/southcentraloregon.
Información sobre el incendio para el público: 541-482-1331 Información del incendio para la media: 971-727-7255
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BootlegFireInfo
Twitter: twitter.com/BootlegFireInfo Hashtags: #BootlegFire #FireYear2021
Public Use Restrictions and Fire Precaution Level Increase
Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement
Tamara Schmidt
Cell: 541-891-6758
David N. Duncan
Cell: 541-219-0515
Public Use Restrictions and Fire Precaution Level increase Thursday in South Central Oregon
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Public Use Restrictions (PURs) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) are increasing this Thursday, July 29 on public lands in South Central Oregon as a result of ongoing hot, dry conditions this summer.
Several agencies are increasing PURs, including banning all open fires, campfires and charcoal use, restricting smoking to enclosed vehicles only, and prohibiting motor vehicle use except on designated roads and trails.
The public is responsible for ensuring that they have reviewed and are aware of the restrictions in place for the landscape they plan to recreate or work on. For all agencies, violation of these prohibitions could result in citations, fines, and even imprisonment, depending on the agency and order.
For more information on the ODF Public Regulated Use Closure, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx. For more information on the federal agency Public Use Restrictions and Fire Prevention Orders, please visit https://scofmp.org/restrictions.shtml.
Additionally, the IFPL is being raised to a Level IV – General Shutdown on federal lands. Under IFPL IV all operations are prohibited unless specifically permitted. There will be public notification when conditions allow for the IFPL to be lowered.
Fire Danger has been at the highest level – “Extreme” – since June 30 for all federal, state, county and private lands in Klamath and Lake counties protected by the agencies of the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP).
Conditions have continued to deteriorate with hot, dry and windy conditions this summer. Things are not expected to improve as summer continues, despite brief periods of cooler weather and even some precipitation providing some relief in recent days.
“Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable,” said Interagency Fire Management Officer Jeb Koons. “We met the conditions for us to move into IFPL IV this week, which will reduce the risk of a wildfire start from industrial operations, including timber, on area public lands. These conditions also indicate that it is time to increase PURs to prevent wildfires from recreation and other wildland use.”
“The wildland firefighters from the SCOFMP agencies have been remarkable during one of the earliest and most active fire seasons in the area, fighting fire in unprecedented conditions with skill, determination, commitment, cooperation and resiliency,” said Fremont-Winema National Forest Supervisor Barry Imler. “Our agencies and the communities we serve are all grateful for the efforts of our firefighters, whether they are engaged with the Bootleg Fire, responding on initial attack or at the ready as part of preparedness.”
A Red Flag Warning is in effect Thursday from 2 to 11 p.m. over a large part of the SCOFMP area for abundant lightning on dry fuels.
“SCOFMP wildland firefighting resources are prepared to respond to the incoming weather and possible natural fire starts over the coming days,” said Andrew Taylor, Fire Management Officer for the Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “The public’s cooperation in preventing wildfires allows us to quickly address lightning starts, which under the current fuel conditions can grow rapidly.”
Fire managers are asking for area residents and visitors to remain vigilant and continue to help prevent new wildfire starts by following the latest restrictions.
“We have truly appreciated the public helping prevent wildfires over the past few months,” said Randall Baley, Protection Unit Forester for Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). “Fire season isn’t over yet and it is essential that we all work together to minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires to protect our communities and the wildlands we all enjoy.”
The Fire Danger includes all private, county and state wildlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Klamath-Lake District. It also applies to the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District, Crater Lake National Park and the Sheldon-Hart Mountain and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complexes.
South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership provides comprehensive wildland fire services to more than eight million acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management Lakeview District; Fremont-Winema National Forest; Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex; and Crater Lake National Park. The area encompasses federal, state, and private lands within south central Oregon and northwest Nevada.
Lightning response and fire preparedness in South Central Oregon
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
News Release
For Immediate Release
July 30, 2021
Media Contacts:
Tamara Schmidt
Cell: 541-891-6758
David N. Duncan
Cell: 541-219-0515
david.n.duncan@usda.govLightning response and fire preparedness in South Central Oregon this weekend
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The agencies of the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) are responding to lightning fires sparked by storms this week and hosting additional firefighting resources to help with initial attack in the coming days and weeks.
Since Monday, wildland firefighting resources have responded to 13 confirmed lightning fires, with the largest being just under 2 acres. Four of the fires have been declared contained and controlled, two are contained, and the remaining fires are still active.
Yesterday’s thunderstorm activity produced 165 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in Klamath County, with 10 in Lake County.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today until 11 p.m. over a large part of the SCOFMP area for abundant lightning on dry fuels. There is a chance for thunderstorms in the area continuing throughout the weekend.
While there are numerous resources assigned to the Bootleg Fire, SCOFMP is maintaining staffing to patrol, respond to new fire starts and provide initial attack.
Local resources include approximately 35 engines, two dozers, four water tenders and access to air resources including helicopters and single-engine air tankers. Additionally, 12 engines and seven firefighting crews have been brought in from outside of the SCOFMP area to help with coverage and response.
Fire Danger has been at the highest level – “Extreme” – since June 30 for all federal, state, county and private lands in Klamath and Lake counties protected by the agencies of the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP).
Conditions have continued to deteriorate with hot, dry and windy conditions this summer. While recent storms have provided some precipitation, it is not enough to significantly improve fuel conditions.
Area residents and visitors are reminded that Public Use Restrictions are in effect throughout the SCOFMP area. Please visit www.scofmp.org to verify the restrictions for the landscape you plan to work or recreate on. Everyone is asked to be careful with anything that could spark a wildfire and to report suspected wildfires immediately by calling 911.
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South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership provides comprehensive wildland fire services to more than eight million acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management Lakeview District; Fremont-Winema National Forest; Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex; and Crater Lake National Park. The area encompasses federal, state, and private lands within south central Oregon and northwest Nevada.
Bootleg Fire Daily Update August 1
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Bootleg Fire Update, August 1, 2021
Location: 28 miles northeast of Klamath Falls, OR
Fireline total: 323 miles
Size: 413,752 acres, 647 square miles
83 miles active fire edge, 240 miles of contained line
Personnel: 1,878
Containment: 74%
(Klamath Falls, OR) – Cloud cover and light rain over the last couple of days have moderated fire behavior. These favorable conditions have allowed crews on the ground, with continued air support, to make good progress on the fire line. The entire perimeter has been closed and crews are working to expand the width of the line, extinguish residual heat and flames, cut snags so they don’t roll downslope taking embers with them, and use bulldozers to straighten the ragged edge on the east side of the fire. Because there haven’t been more spot fires or breaches of the line, the Incident Management Team has been able to allocate necessary resources to focus on the active areas of the fire and strengthen the fire line.
Those efforts may be just in time. Today some isolated thunderstorms are possible, but they are more likely to bring gusty winds than rain. By Tuesday or Wednesday next week, warmer temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds are likely to create conditions for rapid fire spread. This will be a test of the work that has been done so far to contain the fire.
“We’re not nervous about this weather,” said Karen Scholl, Operations Section Chief. “We want this test to happen to see how our line holds, while we have crews and contingencies in place. We believe we’re in a good position to be tested.”
Evacuations: In Lake County, a Level 3 evacuation remains in place for all areas around the Bootleg Fire perimeter. The Level 3 extends to areas immediately adjacent to the fire line in all directions and includes Yamsay Mountain, Thompson Reservoir, and the Sycan Marsh to the top of Winter Rim. No evacuations are in place in Klamath County. Evacuations are dynamic; the best way to view the evacuation designation boundaries and details is on the interactive map available at tinyurl.com/bootlegevac
Red Cross Evacuation Shelters: For information or assistance: 1-800-Red-Cross (www.redcrossblog.org/disaster)
Insurance Assistance: For additional information on submitting insurance claims after losing your home or property to a wildfire, please visit https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/storm/Pages/wildfires.aspx or call the state’s team of consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free).
Closures: The Fremont-Winema National Forest is now open south of Oregon State Route 140. Closures remain in effect north of the highway to provide for public safety and the safety of firefighters. The full closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/fremont-winema/alerts-notices
Smoke: Today should be a good day to enjoy the outdoors. Light winds should limit the spread of smoke. Overall, despite a lot of Moderate forecasts on the map, smoke levels will be on the lower end of that category. Hotter, drier, and windier conditions could start as early as Tuesday, which may have an impact on the fire's behavior, consequently putting more smoke into the air. See: fires.airfire.org/outlooks/southcentraloregon
Fire Information Public Phone: 541-482-1331 Fire Information Media Phone: 971-727-7255
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BootlegFireInfo
Twitter: twitter.com/BootlegFireInfo Hashtags: #BootlegFire #FireYear2021