Containment on Cutoff Fire passes two-thirds mark

BONANZA, Ore.— Hard work pays off. Containment has reached 67% on the Cutoff Fire. There’s been no growth in the fire’s size, which remains at 1,288 acres. The fire is located six miles north of Bonanza and 20 miles east of Klamath Falls.

Today, firefighters will continue mopping up remaining hot spots close to the fire’s edge that were identified Wednesday night by air and ground-based infrared heat detection equipment. Firefighters are digging out stump holes, extinguishing smoldering duff and clearing low-hanging tree limbs.

Crews from the Cutoff Fire were sent to a new fire start east of Bonanza late yesterday to help local firefighters. Together, they stopped the spread of the Painter Fire. This is the fourth time aircraft or ground resources deployed to the Cutoff Fire have responded to new fire starts in the area.

This morning, officials lowered the evacuation levels for the fire area to Level 1 (Get Ready). Residents are advised to plan for how they would evacuate and where they would go if needed.

Incident Meteorologist Tom Wright from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting record-breaking triple-digit temperatures at the fire this weekend. “Like much of Oregon, it will be very warm Saturday and we could shatter heat records Sunday,” Wright said. Fire managers are having firefighters pace their work with the heat levels, drink lots of water and take shade breaks as needed to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Firefighting traffic remains heavy in the fire area. Fire managers ask that other drivers in the area stay aware and reduce speeds to accommodate fire-related traffic.

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BONANZA, Ore.— Containment on the Cutoff Fire has reached 96% and the remaining Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation has been lifted for all areas near the fire effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday June 27, 2021.

ODF Incident Management Team 1 will hand back responsibility for the Cutoff Fire to local ODF, BLM, and Forest Service units Sunday at 8:00 a.m. The local agencies will ensure the fire is monitored and patrolled over the coming heat wave and throughout the summer.

With containment nearly complete Joe Hessel, Cutoff Fire Incident Commander said, “There is little chance of the fire escaping but it still needs to be monitored and patrolled especially through the expected hot weather.” The group taking command of the fire will patrol the fire’s edge, grid for residual heat, and keep the fire’s perimeter secure during the expected heat wave.

“New fires have started in the surrounding area almost every day during this incident. I’m pleased we were able to quickly take care of this fire and put resources back into the system so they can be available for the next fire,” said Hessel.

The forecast calls for record breaking heat. ODF and its partner agencies encourage everyone to be fire safe and stay hydrated.

This will be the final update on the Cutoff Fire from ODF’s Incident Management Team 1. Future fire information will be shared via Facebook and Inciweb.

Local ODF district to take control of Cutoff Fire on Sunday

BONANZA, Ore.— Containment on the Cutoff Fire 6 miles north of Bonanza has reached 85 percent.  Incident Management Team 1 will officially hand back responsibility for the Cutoff Fire to ODF’s Klamath-Lake District, BLM and US Forest Service Sunday morning at 8 a.m. The District will ensure the fire is monitored and patrolled over the summer.

Mike Carlson, Operations Section Chief with Incident Management Team 1, reminded the final firefighting shift to thoroughly mop up any residual heat near the fire’s edge. “There have been cases where mop-up was incomplete and a week after crews left the fire rekindled and started a new fire. Our goal is to ensure that the Cutoff Fire stays secure through the long hot summer ahead.”

A small force of firefighters who worked to put out the fire will remain to conduct patrols, back haul equipment, and repair any damage from suppression activities. Hundreds of firefighters and equipment that helped contain the Cutoff Fire will leave the fire today for a well-earned short break or reassignment elsewhere.

The fire started a week ago six miles north of Bonanza and 20 miles east of Klamath Falls. It burned 1,288 acres, destroyed 22 structures including two residences and caused temporary evacuations and road closures.

Area residents are cautioned that roads between the fire and Bonanza could see heavy traffic at times as emergency vehicles leave. Reducing speed is advised.

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Containment on Cutoff Fire passes two-thirds mark

BONANZA, Ore.— Hard work pays off. Containment has reached 67% on the Cutoff Fire. There’s been no growth in the fire’s size, which remains at 1,288 acres. The fire is located six miles north of Bonanza and 20 miles east of Klamath Falls.

Today, firefighters will continue mopping up remaining hot spots close to the fire’s edge that were identified Wednesday night by air and ground-based infrared heat detection equipment. Firefighters are digging out stump holes, extinguishing smoldering duff and clearing low-hanging tree limbs.

Crews from the Cutoff Fire were sent to a new fire start east of Bonanza late yesterday to help local firefighters. Together, they stopped the spread of the Painter Fire. This is the fourth time aircraft or ground resources deployed to the Cutoff Fire have responded to new fire starts in the area.

This morning, officials lowered the evacuation levels for the fire area to Level 1 (Get Ready). Residents are advised to plan for how they would evacuate and where they would go if needed.

Incident Meteorologist Tom Wright from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting record-breaking triple-digit temperatures at the fire this weekend. “Like much of Oregon, it will be very warm Saturday and we could shatter heat records Sunday,” Wright said. Fire managers are having firefighters pace their work with the heat levels, drink lots of water and take shade breaks as needed to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Firefighting traffic remains heavy in the fire area. Fire managers ask that other drivers in the area stay aware and reduce speeds to accommodate fire-related traffic.

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Containment on Cutoff Fire passes two-thirds mark

BONANZA, Ore.— Hard work pays off. Containment has reached 67% on the Cutoff Fire. There’s been no growth in the fire’s size, which remains at 1,288 acres. The fire is located six miles north of Bonanza and 20 miles east of Klamath Falls.

Today, firefighters will continue mopping up remaining hot spots close to the fire’s edge that were identified Wednesday night by air and ground-based infrared heat detection equipment. Firefighters are digging out stump holes, extinguishing smoldering duff and clearing low-hanging tree limbs.

Crews from the Cutoff Fire were sent to a new fire start east of Bonanza late yesterday to help local firefighters. Together, they stopped the spread of the Painter Fire. This is the fourth time aircraft or ground resources deployed to the Cutoff Fire have responded to new fire starts in the area.

This morning, officials lowered the evacuation levels for the fire area to Level 1 (Get Ready). Residents are advised to plan for how they would evacuate and where they would go if needed.

Incident Meteorologist Tom Wright from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting record-breaking triple-digit temperatures at the fire this weekend. “Like much of Oregon, it will be very warm Saturday and we could shatter heat records Sunday,” Wright said. Fire managers are having firefighters pace their work with the heat levels, drink lots of water and take shade breaks as needed to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Firefighting traffic remains heavy in the fire area. Fire managers ask that other drivers in the area stay aware and reduce speeds to accommodate fire-related traffic.

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 Fire crews mopping up hot spots ahead of coming heat wave

BONANZA, Ore.— Overnight, detection operations were conducted by numerous methods including a drone, a fixed-wing airplane, and ground-based crews, all equipped with infrared heat detection equipment. These are just some of the tools that fire managers are using to ensure the Cutoff Fire is contained. 

There has been no fire growth in the past 24-hours.  Firefighters have shifted their attention to the mop up process.  Mop up consists of intentionally identifying hot spots that could threaten the fire line and extinguishing them. Last night’s infrared detection resources have given firefighters detailed information on where many of these hotspots are.

Firefighting traffic remains heavy in the fire area.  Fire managers ask that other traffic in the area stay aware and reduce speeds as they share the roads with firefighters.  Fire managers would also like to remind people that hazards remain in and near the fire area, including fire-weakened trees, stump holes filled with hot ash and other hazards.   

Forecasts call for temperatures in Klamath County to soar headed into the weekend, reaching at least 100 degrees by Sunday. Fire managers are reminding firefighters to drink plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses.

A Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation recommendation remains in effect for the area east of Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, between Jaguar Lane/Raccoon Lane and Spaniel Lane/ Crocodile Lane, west of Thrasher Drive. A Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation notice is in place for other areas.

ODF Incident Management Team 1’s Deputy Incident Commander Eric Perkins praised firefighters today for their work in this phase of the operation. “About 70 percent of what we do as wildland firefighters is put out hot spots near a fire’s edge. It’s not glamorous work but it’s important.”                                                                                 

                                                       

Fire Crews Strengthen Control Lines Ahead of Predicted Heat Wave

 BONANZA, Ore.—More precise mapping now shows the size of the Cutoff Fire as 1,288 acres. Containment has reached 41%. Firefighters have mopped up all around the fire to a distance of at least 100 feet, and to 150 feet from the edge in some places. Tonight, a drone carrying infrared heat-detection equipment will fly over the fire's perimeter to identify areas that are still hot and smoldering. Meanwhile, ground crews will use hand-held infrared heat detectors to comb over the fire looking for hot spots that need to be mopped up.

The forecast calls for a heat wave in the area moving into the weekend. Temperatures could reach 100 degrees by Sunday. Fire managers are reminding firefighters to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and heat stress.
Evacuation levels remain unchanged at Level 2 or 1 in areas near the fire. Residents are allowed to come and go from their properties but are asked to be alert to hazards that remain near burned areas, including heavy fire equipment traffic.
Operations Section Chief John Flannigan expressed appreciation for the progress firefighters have made in cooling hot spots and putting out embers to reduce chances for the fire to escape. "Their work over the next few shifts is to find hot spots that could threaten the control line. It's important to do this ahead of the gusty winds and hot temperatures predicted for this weekend."
NOTE: This will be the last evening update from the Cutoff Fire.

Night crew sets day crew up for success

BONANZA, Ore.— Night shift resources made good progress on the fire. Crews worked on containing the 5 acre spot fire from yesterday afternoon.  Firefighters also carried out a small, controlled burn of unburned vegetation in the fire’s interior.

Today the plan is to mop-up 150 feet into the fire’s perimeter.  Crews will continue to strengthen containment lines until the fire reaches full containment.  The biggest threat to spread is hot spots close to the fire’s edge. 

Tonight, an infrared drone will fly over the fire to map the hot spots near the fire’s perimeter. This resource maps heat that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Residents in the area may notice this aircraft as it operates after dusk along the perimeter of the fire. Members of the public are not allowed to fly drones near wildfires - if you fly, we cannot!

ODF Incident Management Team 1 held a community meeting last night.  The meeting was recorded and is posted on the fire’s Facebook page.  Local fire managers and team members spoke at the meeting and answered numerous questions from participants.

Today’s weather is expected to be more moderate with warm, dry, and sunny conditions.  There is a chance of thunderstorms today after 3 p.m. The best chance for a thunderstorm will be to the north and east of the fire.

As a reminder there are still evacuations in effect in the area near the fire.  A Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation is still in effect for the area east of Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, between Jaguar Lane/Racoon Lane and Spaniel Lane/ Crocodile Lane, west of Thrasher Drive. A Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation notice is in place for other areas. There are still hazards around the fire, so residents are urged to stay vigilant when traveling through the area.

 

Fire Crews Continue to Make Progress on Cutoff Fire in Klamath County

BONANZA, Ore.—Firefighters successfully battled a spot fire that grew to about 5 acres as winds swept the Cutoff Fire Tuesday afternoon. In addition to keeping the new spot fire from spreading, firefighters from the Cutoff Fire also attacked a new fire start elsewhere in Klamath County. They also widened their containment lines on the Cutoff Fire during the day to at least 50 feet around the perimeter and up to 100 feet in many places. Fire managers expect fire activity tonight to be mainly limited to the duff under juniper trees, stumps, and heavier fuels, such as downed trees.

The fire size has remained at 1,150 acres, although some unburned portions in the interior may still burn over the next day or two. Fire behavior is mainly smoldering and creeping, with gusty winds overnight affecting the spread and direction. The fire is burning on a mix of public and private forestland.

A damage assessment team looked over the fire-impacted area today. The team found that two residences and 20 outbuildings were destroyed, out of some 125 structures that were initially threatened by the fire.

Containment rose to 23%. That is expected to rise as fire managers gain confidence in the strength of their fire lines in the face of continuing dry weather, with much high temperatures expected heading into the weekend.

ODF’s Incident Management Team 1 has been managing the fire since Sunday night. Liaison Officer Larry Goff praised the work of local cooperating agencies. One example is the help Fire District 5 in Klamath County and the Bonanza Fire Department gave in providing a supplemental water supply when crews on the Cutoff Fire were running low. “This is typical of the tremendous support we’ve received from local agencies for our efforts here.”

Fire lines hold despite high winds overnight
 BONANZA, Ore.— High winds kept firefighters on the southern and western flanks of the Cutoff Fire busy overnight. Crews battled spot fires, strong winds and dry fuels to prevent additional fire spread. Their hard work paid off—the fire stayed within the existing control lines with no net gain in acres burned. Today, firefighters will concentrate on strengthening fire lines and cooling hot spots. At least three-quarters of the fire’s 1,150-acre perimeter has been lined. Containment has risen to 12 percent.
ODF Incident Management Team 1 will hold a community meeting on the fire today, June 22 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to join us at Bonanza Big Springs Park, 300 Main Street in Bonanza. A live stream will be available via Facebook Live. In the case of severe weather, please join us on the Facebook page for the virtual presentation at (https://www.facebook.com/CutoffFire2021).
Incident Commander Joe Hessel said, “Yesterday and last night were pivotal to keeping this fire in its footprint. Firefighters worked hard in extremely hot weather to keep winds from spreading the fire beyond our control lines.”
Evacuation levels were lowered Monday, allowing residents to return. However, hazards remain near the fire including possible down powerlines, fire-damaged trees, stump holes and other hazards. Roads in the fire area are limited to use by emergency vehicles and residents. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is continuing patrols in the area.A Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation remains in effect for the area east of Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, between Jaguar Lane/Racoon Lane and Spaniel Lane/ Crocodile Lane, west of Thrasher Drive. A Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation notice is in place for other areas. Damage assessment teams will be at the fire today evaluating structural impacts.