Single Publication

Size: 737 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath  

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 118 

Crescent, OR – The Red Fire is burning within the Diamond Peak Wilderness of the Deschutes National Forest, on the southwest slope of Redtop Mountain. The fire continues being managed under a full suppression strategy. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.  

Yesterday’s Activities – The fire activity picked up in dead and down fuels during the late afternoon and there was increased smoke visible. Shaded fuel break construction continued yesterday along the northwest side of Crescent Lake. The trees and vegetation are being trucked out of the fire area for storage and disposal. 

Today’s Activities – Crews are making good progress constructing the shaded fuel break between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake. Managers are working with the “208 MF” fire team on the Willamette Complex for long term coordination. 

Weather and Smoke – No precipitation was received over the fire yesterday. A low-pressure system will continue to develop off the Pacific Northwest coast by Thursday and is expected to bring wet chilly weather across the fire area with light rain Friday through Sunday.  https://fire.airnow.gov/.  

Closures – The Deschutes National Forest emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in Diamond Peak Wilderness is still in effect. The public should note that Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. More closure information is available at: https://www.fsa.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091   

Evacuations – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction areas remains in effect (INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction). Visit www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management for more information or to sign up for alerts.

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions – which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds – remain in effect for the Deschutes National Forest. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level IV “General Shutdown.” Visit fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information.  

Drone Restrictions – Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized drones (UAS) are in the area. Unauthorized drone use over a fire area poses serious risks to fire personnel and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, we can’t.