Bonanza, Ore. Fire crews on the Elk Fire have continued to make significant progress improving containment lines and holding the fire within the fireline. They have focused on increasing the mop-up depth adjacent to the fire perimeter to minimize any risk of the fire moving across control lines. Fire operations are confident in the work done on the Elk Fire and are beginning to shift resources to the Hagelstein Fire
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Team 1 Operations Section Chief John Flannigan praised firefighters for their hard work on the Elk Fire, “It’s been several days since we have had flare ups and spotfires on the incident and that is because you all pushed hard to keep the fire inside the fireline.”
Yesterday helicopters were used on the Hagelstein Fire to keep the fire in check, supporting efforts on the ground to build handline along the eastern flank and to cool slash piles burning near the fireline. Retardant was used along the eastern flank as well, limiting potential spotfires from tree torching and lofting embers. Overnight, firefighters were able to complete the control line around the perimeter of the fire, today the focus will be on improving the line.
Warm temperatures, poor relative humidity and windy conditions are expected for the next several days. Areas of smoke can be expected in the Klamath Basin from local and regional wildfires, air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive groups at times. Visit https://www.oregonsmoke.org/ for aire quality information and ways to reduce impacts from wildfire smoke.
On Wednesday the Klamath County Sheriff changed evacuations around the Elk Fire. For the latest evacuation information, please visit: https://protect.genasys.com/search
A temporary flight restriction remains in place Federal Aviation Administration – Graphic TFRs over both incidents.