Updated 9:18 a.m., Sunday, August 16:
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Green Incident Management Team is transitioning out of the Wrights Spring Fire as the need for structural resources has decreased. The final two OSFM structural task forces will demobilize this morning along with the Green Team. We are grateful to the Klamath Tribes and communities affected by the Wrights Spring Fire for their patience, support and resilience throughout this incident. The dedication and teamwork of firefighters, cooperators and support personnel have helped protect homes, communities and other values at risk. We appreciate everyone who has worked together throughout this incident and the continued support from those we have served.
Northwest Incident Management Team 8 will remain in command of the incident as crews continue monitoring conditions, securing and improving fire lines and addressing remaining areas of fire activity and concern. The tactics used to suppress the Wrights Spring Fire are strategically chosen through a coordinated effort with various local, state, tribal and federal partners.
Containment of the fire has increased to 47%, covering most of the north half of the fire. Yesterday in the Swan Lake Mountain area, firefighters were aided by helicopter bucket drops to address some flare ups. Nightshift crews worked to improve containment lines on the south and southwest areas of the fire. The Heavy Equipment Group worked on the west side of the fire prepping containment line east of Swan Lake down to Egert Road.
Today crews will continue to mop up and secure the north half of the fire along the containment lines. On the southeast and southern portions of the fire, crews will secure and increase the mop up depth. On the southwest and west side of the fire, crews will continue improving containment line with mechanized equipment and hand crews east of Swan Lake Road. Firefighters are scouting opportunities to go direct on the fire's southwestern edge.
Weather: Mostly sunny today with high level clouds in the afternoon. Warm, light wind conditions today. Temperatures on the ridgetops high 70s, valleys low 80s. HR Humidity 22-25%.
Updated 9:35 a.m., Saturday, August 15:
Acres: 53,388
Containment: 9%
Cause: Undetermined
Personnel: 943
Location: 2 miles west of Sprague River, Oregon
During this morning’s briefing, all personnel observed a moment of silence in honor of Jason Ensign, who lost his life while working on the fire. Our thoughts remain with Jason’s family, friends and fellow firefighters as they gather today to lay him to rest and honor his life and service.
Nightshift crews on the south end of fire worked to hold and improve primary containment line. The Heavy Equipment Group worked on the west side of the fire prepping primary containment line east of Swan Lake down to Egert Road. Crews continued mopping up on the north and east edges of the fire line.
Today, crews on the south end of the fire will be mopping up direct line along the fires edge from Hildebrand Road to Egert Road. On the west and southwest side of the fire, crews will continue improving primary containment line with mechanized equipment and hand crews east of Swan Lake Road. Crews on the west, north and east sides of the fire will be mopping up and securing line. Crews on the southeast side of the fire will be working to increase the mop up depth from Skeen Ranch Road down to Bliss Road.
OSFM structural task forces are beginning to demobilize from the Wrights Spring Fire as structure protection needs decrease and conditions stabilize. Over the past several days, firefighters have worked alongside local and wildland partners to assess and prepare homes, protect critical infrastructure and strategically position resources in areas with the greatest potential for fire impacts. Their efforts have strengthened the protection of communities and values at risk throughout the incident.
Today, two remaining structural task forces will divide the fire footprint into north and south zones, where they will continue monitoring and rechecking areas near and around structures impacted by the fire. Crews will also remain available as surge resources, allowing them to quickly respond to areas where other resources are needed. This transition will allow OSFM resources to support wildland partners where needed.
Weather
Morning clouds, mostly sunny in the afternoon. Warm, light wind conditions Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures on the ridgetops high 70s, valleys low 80s. Humidity 21-24%.
Evacuations
Multiple levels of evacuation are in effect. Residents can check current evacuation zones and levels on the Klamath County evacuation map.
Shelter Locations
For people (okay to bring small animals):
• Red Cross emergency shelter is open at Chiloquin Elementary School, 548 S 2nd Ave in Chiloquin.
• Red Cross emergency shelter is now open at Living Springs Fellowship, 31897 Mission St. in Bonanza.
For large animals only:
• Contact Maria Meister, Southern Oregon Emergency Aid, at 831-235-3031, to shelter large animals at the livestock area of the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
Road Closures
Bliss Road is closed, from Petersteiner Road to Sprague River. Areas around Wrights Spring Fire are experiencing high volumes of fire traffic and ongoing suppression activity. Firefighter safety remains the top priority and the public is asked to avoid unnecessary travel to prevent congesting traffic.
Forest Closures
The Fremont-Winema National Forest issued an Emergency Closure Order on August 9.
No Fly Zone
A Temporary Flight Restriction over the area remains in effect. Flying drones near the fire is prohibited and can interfere with firefighting aircraft, potentially grounding aerial suppression operations.
Original story:
Size: 46,769 acres
Containment: 0%
Location: 2 miles west of Sprague River
Personnel: 555
Started: Aug. 5
Cause: Unknown
The Wrights Spring Fire has burned nearly 47,000 acres as firefighters work to slow its spread and keep the blaze from moving toward several Klamath County communities.
The fire remained active Sunday and overnight, spreading southeast along Bliss Road near Round Mountain. Crews built fire lines overnight to slow its movement toward the Bly Mountain area.
On Monday, firefighters are focusing on strengthening lines along Bliss and Skeen Ranch roads to slow the fire’s southeastward spread. Crews to the north and east are working to keep the fire from moving toward Chiloquin and Sprague River.
Firefighters are positioning structure protection resources in areas most likely to be affected by the fire. Those efforts are focused around Saddle Mountain and Elde Street to the north and Skeen Mountain Road to the south and east.
Crews are assessing properties in the Bly Mountain area on both sides of Highway 140 and looking for additional places where they could slow the fire if it continues to spread.
A fire line has been built east and west from Bliss Road, north of Peter Steiner Road, with the eastern section connecting to Horton Reservoir. Fire officials said the line gives crews another opportunity to slow the fire before it reaches the Bly Mountain area.
Weather
Warm, very dry and breezy conditions are expected Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures reaching the low 90s in valleys and humidity falling as low as 11%.
Evacuations
Evacuation levels have changed for Sprague River and other areas surrounding the fire. Residents can check current evacuation zones and levels on the Klamath County evacuation map.
Shelters
Two Red Cross shelters are open for people and small animals:
- Chiloquin Elementary School: 548 S. Second Ave., Chiloquin
- Living Springs Fellowship: 31897 Mission St., Bonanza
The Klamath County Fairgrounds is available for large livestock. People who need shelter for cattle can contact Southern Oregon Emergency Aid at 831-235-3031.
Road and forest closures
Sprague River Road is closed from milepost 9 to Sprague River Drive.
Bliss Road is closed from Peter Steiner Road to Sprague River.
Fire officials are asking people to avoid unnecessary travel around the fire because of heavy firefighting traffic.
The Fremont-Winema National Forest issued an emergency closure for areas affected by the fire.