Cutoff Fire update for Saturday, June 26

Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 1, Joe Hessel, Incident Commander

Cutoff Fire email: Cutoff.Fire.Information@gmail.com
Cutoff Fire Information Line: 971-600-2579 (7 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
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Evacuation Information
Inciweb

Local ODF district to take control of Cutoff Fire on Sunday

BONANZA, Ore.— Containment on the Cutoff Fire 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.