Bear Flat Fire update for September 14, 2021

BEAR FLAT FIRE DETAILS

Cause:
Under investigation

Size:
50 Acres

Containment: 0%

Location:
Klamath River Canyon 9 Miles SW of Keno, Ore.

Initial Report:
September 13, 2021

Coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.

KENO, Ore. – The Bear Flat Fire is continuing to burn in the Klamath River Canyon between Frain Ranch and Klamath River Campgrounds, approximately 9 miles southwest of Keno.

The fire is still estimated to be 50 acres this morning, with no containment. The cause is under investigation.

The Bear Flat Fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain and heavy timber on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District and moving towards Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands.

Numerous air and ground resources are assigned to the fire or are on order. At 6 a.m., the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire.

Due to the terrain, wildland firefighting aircraft is expected to be used extensively today. Area residents may notice more air traffic in the area, as well as increased wildland firefighting equipment arriving in the Keno area. Area residents and visitors are asked to use caution driving in the area.

Smoke from the fire is highly visible in the area. There are currently no structures threatened or risk to the community of Keno.

Campgrounds in the Upper Klamath River Canyon on river right are closed and the public is asked to stay out of the canyon area.

Road closures are expected to go into effect this afternoon on Ward Road and Klamath River Canyon Road on the north and west side of the river. The Klamath River will also be closed to rafting from the Klamath Dam to the Oregon-California Stateline.

Fire danger remains “Extreme” in Lake and Klamath counties. Extremely dry fuels and seasonal winds can make even a small spark rapidly grow into a large wildfire.

The public is responsible for ensuring that they have reviewed and are aware of the restrictions in place for the landscape they plan to recreate or work on. For all agencies, violation of these prohibitions could result in citations, fines, and even imprisonment, depending on the agency and order.

The latest restrictions and regulations, including for ODF and the federal agencies are available at https://scofmp.org/restrictions.shtml.

Klamath Falls News & Cascade Firewatch’s coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.

Ace Towing offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, collision towing, jump starts, lockouts, fuel, and tire changes. They also make automotive keys and program fobs too. 541-884-9388.

We are currently looking for additional sponsors for coverage of the 2021 Fire Season. Would your business like to sponsor our coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season? Send us a note at klamathfallsnews.org/contact for more information.