KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Smoke cleared early around the Bootleg Fire yesterday due to increased southwest winds, which allowed air operations to support the firefighting efforts on the ground. Firefighters utilized retardant drops and water bucket work along the northern flank and southeast corner of the fire. Crews are utilizing Sam’s Cabin Road and the 27 Road to stop fire growth to the north. Some 2,106 personnel are engaged on the fire, which is located 28 miles NE of Klamath Falls. .
The fire also remains very active on the southeastern corner towards Grouse Prairie. Crews will continue to conduct burnout operations on this southeast corner if conditions allow. Structure protection resources will protect and secure structures in this area as necessary.
“This fire is large and moving so fast, every day it progresses four to five miles,” said Incident Commander Joe Hassel, “One of the many challenges that our firefighters face every day is working in new country that can present new hazards all the time.”
The entire south and southwest portion of the fireline has been held in check for the last several days, leading to the significant increase in containment. Evacuation status has been reduced in most of the communities in Klamath County along that flank. Crews will be seen along this portion of the fire as they continue to patrol and hold the area.
New evacuation levels were implemented and increased yesterday in areas of Lake County east of the fire.
Community Meeting: There will be an in-person community meeting at the Paisley Community Center (705 Chewaucan Street, Paisley, OR 97636) Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Evacuations: Evacuations are rapidly changing due to the nature of this wildfire. Please visit tinyurl.com/bootlegevac for an interactive map of evacuation level in Lake and Klamath Counties.
Closures: The Fremont-Winema National Forest is closed to the public in the fire area. Map and full order available at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7609/.
Smoke: Substantial smoke impacts likely in the vicinity of Paisley and Frenchglen and moderate impacts in the Lakeview area. Air quality will improve significantly in communities to the north, west, and south/southwest of the fire. Full report at: 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
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