Klamath Falls, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make progress on the Van Meter Fire 13 miles south of Klamath Falls. Crews working the night shift worked to strengthen hand and dozer containment lines around much of the fire’s perimeter.

The northeast portion of the fire near South Poe Valley Road and Reiling Road is in mop-up and patrol status as crews continue to improve and secure fire line while also providing structure protection.

Crews are working in conjunction with bulldozers on the south end of the fire near the Dodds Hollow area. Structure task forces are concentrating efforts on this end of the fire as well, while also being available to move freely to areas that may need immediate attention should the fire pose a threat.   

Currently, there are 3 structural task force teams focused on structure protection near Dodds Hollow and Patricia Lane. While fire activity has lessened on the northern portion of the fire, crews continue monitoring the area.

Due to better mapping from an overnight infrared flight, the fire is currently estimated at 2,448 acres.

For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.  An evacuation shelter has been established at the Klamath County Fair and Event Center in Klamath Falls for anyone displaced by the fire. 

We are urging the public to stay out of the fire area and off surrounding roads unless necessary. This will mitigate congestion, enhancing both public and firefighter safety.  The Bureau of Land Management has implemented a closure for lands around the fire.

Incident Commander Tyler McCarty led his comments at the morning briefing stating “The highest priority for this incident is firefighter and public safety, make sure you are focused on your situational awareness and expect the unexpected.”

Safety concerns for the fire include falling snags/trees, rattlesnakes, and driving hazards.  There have been no reportable accidents on the fire. 

Low humidity, high temperatures and unstable conditions will challenge firefighters as fire behavior increases under these conditions.

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been implemented around the fire to limit any aircraft not associated with firefighting activities in the airspace.  Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for drones.  A drone flying in the area can ground all operational aircraft and impact suppression activities.

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 3, led by Incident Commander Tyler McCarty, took command of the Van Meter Fire earlier this evening. The IMT was brought in to relieve local resources and add capacity as the firefighting organization continues to increase from resources throughout the region.

The fire, located 13 miles southeast of Klamath Falls, continues to burn erratically in the Stukel Mountain area. Despite a perfect storm of hot, dry, and windy weather combined with record low fuel moisture levels, firefighters continue to make progress in several areas. The fire is currently estimated at 3,500 acres. An infrared flight will take place tonight, providing a more accurate acreage total tomorrow.

Of greatest concern is to the south of the fire in the Dodds Hollow area north of Merrill. Fire managers are working in conjunction with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office to invoke evacuation levels where needed. As of this evening a LEVEL 3 (GO NOW) evacuation order was put in place for the Dodds Hollow area that includes all addresses on Patricia Lane, Dodds Hollow Road, and Pope Road, north of Taylor Road.

The area of Crystal Springs Road east of Hill Road to South Poe Valley Road and South Poe Valley Road to Weber Road that was previously under a LEVEL 3 evacuation order has dropped to a LEVEL 2 (BE READY). The area is open to LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY and residents should be advised that if fire and weather conditions change it may be necessary to increase the evacuation level.

For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.

We are urging the public to stay out of the fire area and off surrounding roads unless necessary. This will mitigate congestion, enhancing both public and firefighter safety.

Currently, there are 3 structural task force teams focused on structure protection near Dodds Hollow and Patricia Lane. While fire activity has lessened on the northern portion of the fire, crews continue monitoring the area.

 Klamath Falls, ORE. – As a result of fire activity, the Bureau of Land Management Klamath Falls Field Office has temporarily closed BLM-managed areas near the Van Meter Fire for public and firefighter safety. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses— including hiking, hunting, and dispersed camping—are prohibited.

The closure order encompasses a broad area around and including Stukel Mountain.Please see the map for full closure information on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/publicsafety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions 

Public and firefighter safety are the highest priority. The extreme fire danger and behavior have prompted the closure of these sites while fire suppression crews respond to the incidents. As it becomes safe to do so, firefighters will begin to assess the closure and their impacts in alignment with sound risk management practices.

Weather and fuel conditions remain favorable for continued fire spread. For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/. BLM Lakeview District has additional fire closures and fire restriction information available on BLM.GOV.

Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Barnes Daily Fire Update September 16, 2022

Acres: 5,843 acres | Containment: 86% | Total personnel: 403

Start Date: September 7, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: 2 miles east of Willow Ranch, CA and 2 miles west of Fort Bidwell, CA Fuels: Timber, Brush, Litter, & Understory
 

Highlights: Yesterday, there was minimal fire behavior across the fire. Firefighters continue to hold the fire in the existing footprint. The increased acres are due to better mapping of the perimeter. On the northern flank, hose equipment that is no longer needed is being back hauled and crews are tactically gridding and patrolling areas that have been mopped up to make sure not to overlook any residual heat. Smokes are still visible of interior heats such as burning stumps holes. Over five miles of hose has been strung out along the perimeter to secure the edge. On the eastern edge, hand crews are mopped up using portable water tanks, hose lines, and heavy saw work in large diameter fuels, mainly Mountain Mahogany. On the Southern perimeter, crews removed hose, performed suppression repair, and addressed hazard trees. Increased containment gains have been made.  

Operations: Today, firefighters will mop up, tactically patrol, address hazard trees, and perform fire suppression repair work where necessary. Along the fires eastern perimeter, crews and heavy equipment are improving and reinforcing direct line and gridding for pockets of heat, concentrating in the pockets of heavier fuels that continue to hold onto heat as well as gridding the lines and duff for residual heats. Suppression repair is also continuing around the contained and un-needed dozer line. On the northern perimeter they will be mopping up and eliminating threats to the line continuing to use aerial assets to assist as needed and backhaul equipment.

Barnes Daily Fire Update September 15, 2022

Acres: 5,840 acres | Containment: 73% | Total personnel: 511

Start Date: September 7, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: 2 miles east of Willow Ranch, CA and 2 miles west of Fort Bidwell, CA Fuels: Timber, Brush, Litter, & Understory
 

Highlights: Yesterday, there was minimal fire behavior across the fire. Additional firefighters were brought in to address hazard trees and any threats to the line. Firefighters continue to hold the fire in the existing footprint. On the northern flank, they worked to improve the security of the line and mopped up further into the perimeter. Over five miles of hose has been strung out along the perimeter to secure the edge. On the eastern edge, hand crews continued to complete and improve containment lines and performed heavy saw work in large diameter fuels, mainly Mountain Mahogany. On the Southern perimeter, progress is being made in the final large pocket of heat along the line with up to 50’ of mop-up in some sections. Increased containment gains were made.  

Operations: Today, firefighters will put in work to increase the containment lines, address hazard trees, and expand fire suppression repair work. Along the fires eastern perimeter, crews and heavy equipment are improving and reinforcing direct line and gridding for pockets of heat, concentrating in the pockets of heavier fuels that continue to hold onto heat as well as gridding the lines and duff for residual heats.  On the northern perimeter they will be mopping up and eliminating threats to the line continuing to use aerial assets to assist as needed. Along the southern portion, the equipment working on the contingency line has been reassigned to suppression repair work. There continues to be a night shift presence.

Barnes Daily Fire Update September 14, 2022

Acres: 5,840 acres | Containment: 48% | Total personnel: 623

Start Date: September 7, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: 2 miles east of Willow Ranch, CA and 2 miles west of Fort Bidwell, CA Fuels: Timber, Brush, Litter, & Understory
 

Highlights: Yesterday, crews addressed hazard trees and any threats to the line with fallers. The fire continues to hold in the existing footprint. On the northern flank, crews continued to secure the line with many sections getting mopped up well into the perimeter. On the eastern edge, hand crews continued to complete and improve containment lines and performed heavy saw work in large diameter fuels, mainly Mountain Mahogany. On the Southern perimeter, progress continues to be made in the three large pockets of heat along the line with up to 50’ of mop-up in some sections. On the western perimeter additional containment was made. An aerial survey for lightning strikes within a 6-mile perimeter of the fire did not reveal any new fire starts from the lightning.

Operations: Today, firefighters will continue to put in work to increase the containment lines, address hazard trees, and begin fire suppression repair work. Along the fires eastern perimeter, crews and heavy equipment are improving and reinforcing direct line and gridding for pockets of heat, concentrating in the pockets of heavier fuels that are holding onto heat as well as gridding the lines and duff for residual heats.  On the northern perimeter they will be mopping up and eliminating threats to the line continuing to use aerial assets to assist. An estimated 400,000 gallons of water have been used to extinguish the fire to date. Along the southern portion, the equipment working on the contingency line has been reassigned to suppression repair work. There continues to be a night shift presence.

Evacuations: BARNES FIRE EVACUATION UPDATE (9/13/22 @ 6:00 PM) EVACUATION ORDERS for Road 133C and County Road 9 in ZONE MCU-028 are now reduced to an Advisory. You may now return to your home. County Road 9 and Road 133C will remained closed except for fire traffic and residents. There is currently NO MANDATORY EVACUATION for the Barnes Fire. MCU-028 and MCU-035 are in ADVISORY ONLY. This is strictly voluntary. Be alert to rapidly changing conditions and follow County recommendations. Residents can check Zonehaven AWARE (sign up for real time updates). Zones will be updated as the incident changes. If you don’t KNOW YOUR ZONE, type your address in the site (use the QR Code) before and it will give you your zone and any conditions noted. For more information visit the Modoc County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page. Road Closures: County Rd 9 and 133C are closed and only open to emergency responders, this closure will support public safety by keeping public members out of the hazardous burn areas and will allow firefighting resources to combat the fire without public interference. Evacuation Center: The evacuation center is staged and ready if needed at the Modoc Fairground in Cedarville.

 

Weather: Today will be cool, dryer and breezy. Winds are expected to be from the southwest at 5-10 mph until 1000. After 1000, from the west southwest at 5-11 mph, with afternoon gusts approaching 18 mph. Minimum humidity will be near 20% with good overnight recovery.  Temperatures will be in the mid-60s and mid-70s.

 

AlertWildfire Camera: Click here to view a camera pointed at the east side of the fire: https://tinyurl.com/49erCamera

 

Smoke: Fire and Smoke air map available https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

 Barnes Daily Fire Update September 13, 2022

Acres: 5,840 acres | Containment: 44% | Total personnel: 633

Start Date: September 7, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: 2 miles east of Willow Ranch, CA and 2 miles west of Fort Bidwell, CA Fuels: Timber, Brush, Litter, & Understory
 

Highlights: Yesterday, there was some rainfall over the perimeter of the fire but it was isolated in nature. On the northern flank, crews continued to secure the line with many sections getting mopped up well into the perimeter, and the fire continues to hold in the existing footprint. On the eastern edge,  hand crews continued to complete and improve containment lines around the spots as well as lines to tie them back into the dozer line that is heading north/northeast from Fandango. On the Southern perimeter, progress continues to be made in the three large pockets of heat along the line with up to 50’ of mop-up in some sections.

Operations: Today, firefighters will continue to put in work to increase the containment around the perimeter. Along the fires eastern perimeter, four hotshot crews and several dozers are putting in direct line to the north and from north to the south connecting the pockets of heat.  On the northern perimeter they will be mopping up and eliminating threats to the line. Along the southern portion, the contingency line prep will continue as they brush the roads and continue to close the gaps of open line bringing the line from Fandango Pass to the 53Rd. On the western perimeter additional containment was able to be obtained. There continues to be a night shift presence.

Evacuations: BARNES FIRE EVACUATION UPDATE (9/12/22 @ 8:50 PM) MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS for Road 133C and County Road 9 in ZONE MCU-028 are now reduced to a WARNING. You may now return to your home. County Road 9 and Road 133C will remained closed except for fire traffic and residents. There is currently NO MANDATORY EVACUATION for the Barnes Fire. MCU-028 and MCU-035 are in WARNING ONLY. Modoc. Residents needing extra time to evacuate should take this opportunity to leave now. This is strictly voluntary. Be alert to rapidly changing conditions and follow County recommendations. Residents can check Zonehaven AWARE (sign up for real time updates). Zones will be updated as the incident changes. If you don’t KNOW YOUR ZONE, type your address in the site (use the QR Code) before and it will give you your zone and any conditions noted. For more information visit the Modoc County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page. Road Closures: County Rd 9 is closed and only open to emergency responders, this closure will support public safety by keeping public members out of the hazardous burn areas and will allow firefighting resources to combat the fire without public interference. Evacuation Center: The evacuation center is staged and ready if needed at the Modoc Fairground in Cedarville.

 

Weather: Today will be cool, dry and breezy. Ridgetop winds will increase from the west-southwest by late morning, with afternoon gusts approaching 25 mph. Minimum humidity will be near 20%, which is significantly lower than yesterday.  Temperatures will be in the upper-60s and 70s.

 

AlertWildfire Camera: Click here to view a camera pointed at the east side of the fire: https://tinyurl.com/49erCamera

 

Smoke: Fire and Smoke air map available https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Barnes Daily Fire Update September 12, 2022

Acres: 5,840 acres | Containment: 18% | Total personnel: 455

Start Date: September 7, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: 2 miles east of Willow Ranch, CA and 2 miles west of Fort Bidwell, CA Fuels: Timber, Brush, Litter, & Understory
 

Highlights: Yesterday, fire activity moderated with the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.  On the northern perimeter hand crews, engines, and dozers supported with aviation assets improved work on the containment lines established. The dozer line being put into County Road 9 is nearing completion. Pockets of heavy heat are still holding in the creek beds in pinyon pines and where there are pockets of heavier fuels, firefighters are addressing them. Work continued on the contingency line to the south of the fire. Patrol and mop up is ongoing around structures.

A Community Meeting is being planned for 4pm tonight in Fort Bidwell.

Operations: Today, firefighters will continue to put in work to increase the containment around the perimeter. Along the fires eastern perimeter, they are working to complete building the fire line while securing the last of spots.  On the northern perimeter they will be secure existing lines and work the pockets of heat on the eastern edge. Along the southern portion, the contingency line prep will continue as they brush the roads and continue to close the gaps of open line bringing the line from Fandango Pass to the 53Rd. On the western perimeter additional hotshot crews have been brought in and are working to tie the slop over from Friday night back into the main fire and limit any additional spread south and west. There continues to be a night shift presence.

Evacuations: The Modoc County Sherriff’s Office has issued a MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR COUNTY ROAD 133C TO HWY 395 COUNTY ROAD 9 from 1807 CR 9 to 133C - All residents affected were notified in person.  The greater EVACUATION ZONE MCU-028 (residents in the area of the Buck Creek Guard Station) was moved yesterday to WARNING. Continued evacuation warning issued for ZONE MCU-035 in the Fort Bidwell Community and outlying areas. Residents should be ready to evacuate at any moment. Residents needing extra time to evacuate should take this opportunity to leave now. This is strictly voluntary. Be alert to rapidly changing conditions and follow County recommendations. Residents can check Zonehaven AWARE (sign up for real time updates). Zones will be updated as the incident changes. If you don’t KNOW YOUR ZONE, type your address in the site (use the QR Code) before and it will give you your zone and any conditions noted. For more information visit the Modoc County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page. Road Closures: County Rd 9 is closed and only open to emergency responders, this closure will support public safety by keeping public members out of the hazardous burn areas and will allow firefighting resources to combat the fire without public interference. Evacuation Center: The evacuation center is staged and ready if needed at the Modoc Fairground in Cedarville.

 

Weather: Potential for thunderstorms, partly cloudy with a chance of light rain. Temperatures will be in the mid 60’s to low 70’s. Minimum humidity will be in the 32-37% percent range. Winds will be light and variable switching in the afternoon to 5-10 mph out of the west with gusts up to 20 mph.

 

AlertWildfire Camera: Click here to view a camera pointed at the east side of the fire: https://tinyurl.com/49erCamera

 

Smoke: Fire and Smoke air map available https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Barnes Daily Fire Update September 11, 2022
 

Acres: 5,825 acres | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 367

Start Date: September 7, 2022, | Cause: Lightning| Location: 2 miles east of Willow Ranch, CA and 2 miles west of Fort Bidwell, CA Fuels: Timber, Brush, Litter, & Understory
 

Highlights: Yesterday, fire activity moderated with the decrease and switch in winds.  On the northern perimeter hand crews, engines, and dozers supported with aviation assets continued to build and improve containment lines. Crews continued to work at getting around the spot fires from Friday, they have lined the largest ones and continue work on secure the others. Some single tree torching and limited growth occurred on the northeastern side of the fire. Crews continued to look for opportunities to go direct and were supported by aircraft dropping retardant and water, keeping the fire in check. The dozer line being put in to County Road 9 was nearly completed. Pockets of heavy heat in the willow creek bed are being extinguished.  Work continued on the contingency line to the south of the fire.

A Community Meeting is being planned for 4 pm tonight in Davis Creek, and 4 pm Monday night in Fort Bidwell.

Operations: Today, firefighters will continue to put in work to complete building the fire line on the eastern perimeter while securing the last of spots.  On the northern perimeter they will be secure existing lines and work the pockets of heat on the eastern edge. Along the southern portion, the contingency line prep will continue as they brush the roads and continue to scout areas bringing the line from Fandango Pass to the 53Rd plan has been identified and is being implemented. On the western perimeter handcrews and dozers are working to tie the slop over from friday night back into the main fire and limit any additional spread south and west. The night shift has been being bolstered by additional engines and a dozer.

Evacuations: The Modoc County Sherriff’s Office has issued a MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR COUNTY ROAD 133C TO HWY 395 COUNTY ROAD 9 from 1807 CR 9 to 133C - All residents affected were notified in person.  The greater EVACUATION ZONE MCU-028 (residents in the area of the Buck Creek Guard Station) was moved yesterday to WARNING. Continued evacuation warning issued for ZONE MCU-035 in the Fort Bidwell Community and outlying areas. Residents should be ready to evacuate at any moment. Residents needing extra time to evacuate should take this opportunity to leave now. This is strictly voluntary. Be alert to rapidly changing conditions and follow County recommendations. Residents can check Zonehaven AWARE (sign up for real time updates). Zones will be updated as the incident changes. If you don’t KNOW YOUR ZONE, type your address in the site (use the QR Code) before and it will give you your zone and any conditions noted. For more information visit the Modoc County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page. Road Closures: County Rd 9 is closed and only open to emergency responders, this closure will support public safety by keeping public members out of the hazardous burn areas and will allow firefighting resources to combat the fire without public interference. Evacuation Center: The evacuation center is staged and ready if needed at the Modoc Fairground in Cedarville.

 

Weather: Mostly sunny with areas of haze. Temperatures will be 75-80s. Minimum humidity will be in the 12-15% percent range. Winds will be light and variable switching in the afternoon to 2-4 mph out of the northwest.

 

AlertWildfire Camera: Click here to view a camera pointed at the east side of the fire: https://tinyurl.com/49erCamera

 

Smoke: Fire and Smoke air map available https://fire.airnow.gov/