Level 1 Evacuations Issued as Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 2,224 Acres
Northwest Team 8 will assume command Friday as about 180 personnel continue full suppression operations.
Fire Location: The Wrights Spring Fire is shown northeast of Klamath Falls and east of Upper Klamath Lake in Klamath County. Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
FAST FIRE FACTS
Name:
Wrights Spring Fire
Location:
South of Sprague River Highway and east of Chiloquin in the Fremont-Winema National Forest
Acres: 2,224
Containment: Not reported
Evacuations:
Level 1 Be Ready notices south of Sprague River Road, between Chiloquin and Sprague River
Equipment:
About 180 personnel, including handcrews, engines, dozers, helicopters, and airtankers
Activity:
The fire is moving northeast toward Saddle Mountain. Heavy aerial suppression continues, while rugged terrain and dense vegetation challenge crews on the north and south sides.
CHILOQUIN, Ore. — Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices have been issued as the Wrights Spring Fire grows to 2,224 acres in Klamath County.
The evacuation area is south of Sprague River Road, between Chiloquin and Sprague River, according to a Thursday evening update from the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.
Level 1 is not a mandatory evacuation order. Residents should monitor local alerts and prepare family members, pets, livestock, medications, and other essential items in case conditions worsen.
Evacuation Areas: The Genasys Protect map shows Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation zones surrounding the Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County. Genasys Protect.
The fire is burning in mixed conifer in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, south of Sprague River Highway and east of Chiloquin. Officials said the fire is moving northeast toward Saddle Mountain.
About 180 personnel are assigned to the incident, including handcrews, engines, and dozers. Heavy aerial suppression continues with water and retardant drops from helicopters and airtankers.
The north and south sides of the fire remain difficult because of heavy timber, dense vegetation, and rugged terrain. Firefighters will continue working overnight to stop the fire’s forward movement.
Retardant Drop / Cover Photo: An airtanker drops retardant across rugged terrain to slow the Wrights Spring Fire and support crews on the ground. Nate McDougal, ODF Helitack.
The incident is currently being managed by a Type 3 team. Northwest Team 8, a Complex Incident Management Team, is scheduled to assume command at 9 a.m. Friday.
Near-critical fire weather is expected to continue, with hot and dry conditions lasting through the weekend. Fire danger across the SCOFMP region increased to Level 5, or Extreme, Thursday. Public use restrictions and regulated use closures have also increased to Stage 2
No road or highway closures are currently in effect. However, officials are asking the public to avoid Forest Service roads 5813, 5817, and 22, also known as Switchback Road, because of heavy fire traffic and suppression activity.
Residents should check the Genasys Protect map for current evacuation information. Fire questions can be directed to 541-219-0515 or scofmp.fire.info@gmail.com.
The fire began at approximately 2:49 p.m. Wednesday. Its cause remains under investigation, and no containment percentage has been reported.
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