KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — At approximately 5:30 the evening of July 15 a wildfire broke out on ODF-protected land in rough terrain on Spence Mountain west of Klamath Lake in Klamath County. When firefighters arrived on scene the fire had already grown to approximately half an acre. The fire burned actively overnight and as of mid-day on July 16 stood at approximately 50 acres.
ODF crews are actively suppressing the fire’s spread today with the help of multiple agencies and air resources, including the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Today, firefighters will continue to build line and secure existing line. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services, Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation are also helping with issues related to the fire. There are approximately 150 people assigned to the incident.
Due to ongoing fire operations in the area of Highway 140 northwest of Running Y for the Spence Fire, the Spence Mountain Trailhead System as well as the Howard Bay Boat Launch are closed to public use. In addition, watercraft are urged to avoid the waters of Howard Bay so to not interfere with aircraft.
This is being done out of an abundance of caution so that there is no interference with aircraft supporting fire operations.
With the recent warm up and predicted hot and dry weather forecasted, Klamath and Lake counties are asking the public to help prevent wildfires by following all restrictions on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Klamath-Lake District. This affects all private, county and state forestlands.
The Lakeview Interagency Fire Center website: https://scofmp.org/ is available to assist in keeping people informed of current and changing conditions for our area.
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