Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
OSFM Begins Demobilizing as Crews Prep Firing Operation
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 53,388 acres and 9% containment as crews prepare southern control lines for a potential firing operation. OSFM structure protection resources are entering their final shift, while several evacuation zones have been reduced as threats to homes continue to decline.
Rain Gives Wrights Spring Fire Crews a Break as Structure Protection Scales Back
Overnight rain moderated conditions on the Wrights Spring Fire, giving crews time to reinforce containment lines before warmer, drier weather returns. The fire is 53,061 acres and 6% contained as structure protection resources scale back in northern areas and work continues along the south and southwest.
Structure Protection Shifts South as Wrights Spring Fire Crews Secure Northern Areas
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 53,032 acres and 6% containment as crews increasingly move northern areas into patrol status. Structure protection and line construction remain focused farther south, while officials confirm one primary structure and three outbuildings were lost earlier in the incident.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 5% Containment as Crews Focus on Southwest Flank
The Wrights Spring Fire is now 52,531 acres and 5% contained with 761 personnel assigned. Crews report increasingly secure lines on the north end while firefighters work spot fires and build control line near Swan Lake Rim. An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for Klamath and Lake counties.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 51,687 Acres as Crews Strengthen Southern Lines
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to 51,687 acres as crews strengthen control lines across the incident. Fire officials report progress on the north end, while structure protection continues around Bly Mountain, Bliss Road, and Swan Lake. Evacuations remain widespread.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 46,769 Acres as Large Forest Closure Takes Effect
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to 46,769 acres after adding nearly 12,800 acres in 24 hours. Evacuations remain widespread across southern Klamath County, 555 personnel are assigned to the incident, and a large Fremont-Winema National Forest closure is now in effect.
Wrights Spring Fire Crosses Bliss Road as Crews Battle Eastward Spread (UPDATED)
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to 33,970 acres and remains 0% contained after pushing east and southeast across Bliss Road near Round Mountain. Ten structural task forces are working across the incident as crews build control lines and expand structure protection around Sprague River.
Evacuations Issued as Crescent Butte Fire Burns Near Gilchrist (UPDATED)
A new wildfire near Crescent and Gilchrist is sending a large smoke column over northern Klamath County and has prompted Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation notices. A temporary evacuation point has been established at La Pine High School.
Wrights Spring Fire Mapped at 19,290 Acres as Evacuations Expand (UPDATED)
The Wrights Spring Fire is mapped at 19,290 acres and remains 0% contained west of Sprague River. Unified command is in place with 316 personnel assigned, expanded evacuations in effect, and eight OSFM task forces supporting structure protection.
Level 3 Evacuations Issued as Wrights Spring Fire Surges to 8,722 Acres
The Wrights Spring Fire has surged to approximately 8,722 acres east of Chiloquin as Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations expand around the incident. Oregon has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, bringing additional structural firefighting resources to Klamath County.
Level 1 Evacuations Issued as Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 2,224 Acres
Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notices are in effect south of Sprague River Road as the Wrights Spring Fire reaches 2,224 acres. About 180 personnel are assigned, and Northwest Team 8 will assume command Friday. No road or highway closures are in effect.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres as Crews Make Overnight Progress
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres south of Sprague River and east of Chiloquin. Firefighters strengthened lines along the east flank overnight, while heavy timber, dense vegetation, and rugged terrain continue to challenge crews.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 1,200 Acres East of Modoc Point
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 1,200 acres east of Modoc Point in Klamath County. About 100 firefighters are working through the night, with more resources en route. No evacuations or formal closures are in effect, but the public should avoid nearby forest roads.
Loveless Fire Prompts Level 3 Evacuation Northeast of Sprague River
A new wildfire northeast of Sprague River has prompted evacuation orders and warnings in Klamath County. Early reports placed the Loveless Fire at approximately 75 acres, with heavy spotting reported as crews responded to the developing incident.
Oregon Calls in California, Washington Fire Task Forces as Wildfires Strain Statewide Resources
Oregon is bringing in seven fire task forces from California and Washington as wildfire activity strains crews and equipment statewide. The teams will support community protection, critical infrastructure and emerging incidents during a period of extreme fire conditions.
Fire Outlook Points to Elevated Summer Risk
The National Interagency Fire Center’s June outlook shows above-normal significant wildland fire potential across Northern California and parts of the Northwest, with the risk expanding across Oregon as summer progresses. The forecast does not predict specific fires, but it signals a greater-than-usual likelihood of significant wildfires during the June through September outlook period.
Oregon Warns of Severe Wildfire Risk
Governor Tina Kotek and state wildfire leaders are urging Oregonians to prepare now for what may be a difficult 2026 wildfire season. Officials cited severe drought, record-low snowpack, and forecasts for warmer, drier conditions as major concerns, with above-normal fire risk expected to reach southwestern Oregon in July.
PacifiCorp Reaches $575M Wildfire Settlement
PacifiCorp has agreed to pay $575 million to resolve federal claims alleging its electrical lines caused six wildfires in Oregon and California. The settlement covers nearly 290,000 acres of burned federal land and includes no determination of liability.
County Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Wildfire Mitigation Standards for New Construction
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Jan. 14 to consider proposed wildfire mitigation standards for new residential construction in unincorporated areas of the county.