KCFD1 responds to two escaped fires, warns fall fire danger is not over
Firefighters were called to a backyard fire on Michigan Avenue and a fast-moving brush fire along Highway 97 South within about 90 minutes Monday afternoon.
AT A GLANCE
Michigan Avenue: Escaped backyard fire reported about 12:40 p.m. in the 200 block of Michigan Avenue
Damage: Fire spread through open yard areas and damaged fencing on neighboring properties
Highway 97 South: Second brush fire reported about 2 p.m. near the Wing Watchers Trail
Response: Kingsley Field Fire Department, Klamath County Fire District 4, and Oregon Department of Forestry assisted KCFD1
Conditions: KCFD1 says grass and brush remain extremely dry and can still carry fire quickly in fall conditions
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to two escaped fires Monday afternoon, warning that dry grass and brush across the Klamath Basin can still carry fire quickly despite cooler fall weather.
“Grass, brush, and other vegetation remain extremely dry. Even light winds can cause an escaped fire to spread quickly and threaten nearby homes, property, roadways, and natural areas.”
The first fire was reported at about 12:40 p.m. in the 200 block of Michigan Avenue, where crews were dispatched to an escaped backyard fire in a residential neighborhood.
Because of the location and a large column of smoke visible in the area, the on-duty battalion chief upgraded the incident to a structural response.
According to KCFD1, the fire spread through open yard areas and damaged fencing on neighboring properties. Access to parts of the fire was difficult because of the residential setting, but firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading farther to nearby homes and other structures.
At about 2 p.m., crews had just cleared the Michigan Avenue fire and had not yet returned to quarters when they were dispatched to a second fire along Highway 97 South, south of the Main Street exit near the Wing Watchers Trail.
That fire was burning in dry grass and brush and was spreading rapidly as winds pushed it south, according to the district. Firefighters also faced access challenges because the fire was burning between the northbound side of Highway 97 and Lake Ewauna.
KCFD1 said crews from neighboring agencies helped stop the fire’s forward spread and bring the incident under control. Assisting agencies included Kingsley Field Fire Department, Klamath County Fire District 4, and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Crews remained on scene for about two and a half hours building fire line, mopping up, and checking for hot spots to make sure the fire would not rekindle.
In a statement, KCFD1 said the two incidents are a reminder that fall conditions do not mean fire season risks are gone.
“Grass, brush, and other vegetation remain extremely dry,” the district said. “Even light winds can cause an escaped fire to spread quickly and threaten nearby homes, property, roadways, and natural areas.”
The district urged residents to use caution with any activity that could create sparks, flames, or heat near dry vegetation. Fire officials also reminded the public to never leave outdoor fires unattended, to keep extinguishing tools nearby, and to make sure fires are fully out before leaving the area.
KCFD1 also recognized its firefighters and thanked assisting agencies for their coordinated response, saying their efforts helped prevent additional property damage and further fire spread.
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