The #BootlegFire burns in the Fremont-Winema National Forest on Fuego Mountain approximately 11 miles northeast of Sprague River, Oregon. (Image: Inciweb)

FIRE DETAILS

Cause:
Under investigation

Size:
100 Acres

Containment: 0%

Location:
11 Miles northeast of Sprague River, Oregon

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

CHILOQUIN, Ore. – Last night firefighters were only able to work on indirect firefighting tactics, strengthening roads and creating an anchor point, due to extreme and active fire behavior overnight. Work was also done to assess and start protection measures for the two private properties northeast of the fire.

The fire is estimated to be 3,000 acres with no containment. It was reported around 1:45 PM, July 6, 2021. The cause is under investigation.

With ongoing hot, dry weather and winds today, it is expected that the Bootleg Fire’s behavior will continue to be extremely active today.

Numerous wildland firefighting resources are arriving on the fire this morning and throughout the day. A Type 2 Incident Management Team is scheduled to arrive in the area this afternoon.

Governor Kate Brown today invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Bootleg Fire. The Office of the State Fire Marshal Green Incident Management Team will be entering into unified command with a Pacific Northwest Interagency Team, and the Green Incident Management Team will be briefed tonight.

Smoke column from the 3000 acre #BootlegFire rises into the sky. (Image: Inciweb)

“Today I invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to make more state resources available to the fire crews on the front lines in Klamath County at the Bootleg Fire, which has grown rapidly since yesterday,” Governor Brown said. "Southern Oregon is still recovering from last year's devastating wildfires, and I will do everything in my power to ensure resources are available to contain the Bootleg Fire, as well as others that are burning across the state. This is a reminder that Oregonians must continue to be firewise, fire safe, and to honor all burn bans.”

In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exist due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor's declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Office of the State Marshal’s Green Incident Management Team has been mobilized. OSFM personnel responded with three taskforces, a Communications Unit, and a cache trailer loaded with incident support supplies, tools to enhance defensible space around structures, and other provisions firefighters need to inhabit a fire camp.

The Bootleg Fire continues to burn on the Chiloquin Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest on Fuego Mountain approximately 11 miles northeast of the town of Sprague River. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain in mixed conifer and lodgepole pine. Fire behavior includes running, torching, and spotting.

Smoke from the fire is highly visible from Oregon State Highway 140, Sprague River Highway, Chiloquin and the surrounding area.

Drivers should expect increased traffic in the area from fire equipment and are asked to use caution driving in the area. Area residents and Forest visitors are asked to avoid the fire area, including Forest Roads 44, 46 and 3462, as well as Head of the River Campground and Sycan Crossing dispersed campground.

The fire is still only burning on National Forest System lands. However, multiple structures are threatened east of the fire.

Map of the #BootlegFire. Additional fire maps available at https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/maps

Evacuation Orders

Following are the current evacuation levels, at the request of the Bootleg Fire Incident Commander, issued by Klamath County Emergency Management:

Level 2 (GET SET)
Two properties located northeast of the fire. Level 2 is notice that the danger has dramatically increased and they need to be prepared to leave at any moment.

Level 1 (GET READY)
Sycan Estates area north of the town of Beatty in eastern Klamath County. Level 1 is notice for residents in the affected area that wildfire is potentially near them and they should begin preparations to leave should the Incident Commander believe further increase in evacuation levels is warranted.

For the latest evacuation information, visit https://www.facebook.com/KlamathCountyGov. To sign up for Klamath County alerts, visit http://alerts.klamathcounty.org.

South Central Oregon is continuing to have an active and early fire season. Area residents and visitors are asked to use extreme caution with anything that could spark a wildfire. Suspected wildfires should be reported immediately to 911.

Regional map of the #BootlegFire. Additional fire maps available at https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/maps

Klamath Falls News will continue to follow the situation and provide updates as they become available.

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.

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