Single Publication

Size: 762 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath  Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 155

Activities – Crews, engines and equipment have completed work on the shaded fuel break between Odell Lake and Crescent Lake. The section between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake is progressing well and is anticipated to be completed by September 7th. Shaded fuel breaks reduce fire behavior due to the reduced fuel condition which allows firefighters to more safely engage the fire where there is ready access to escape routes and safety zones. Structure protection equipment remains in place along Cresent Lake. A 1.5-mile hose lay remains in place along the Whitefish Creek Trail on the southern edge of the fire to check fire spread along the trail. 

Incident Strategy – A full suppression strategy is being implemented utilizing indirect tactics, shaded fuel breaks, structure protection equipment, trail and hose lay. Firefighter and public safety remain the incident management team’s highest priority in managing this fire. Expect to see more activity on the fire with warming and drying conditions.

Closures – To provide for the safety of firefighters, equipment operators, and public the Deschutes National Forest emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in Diamond Peak Wilderness is still in effect, include these areas: 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   

Weather, Fire Behavior and Smoke – Warmer and drier conditions persist across the fire area Thursday under mostly clear skies. Continued warming and drying is expected though Sunday. Fire behavior has increased due to warmer temperatures and low relative humidity. Smoke production increased yesterday and is expected to increase today through Sunday. 

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 III “Partial 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.