Cougar Peak Fire update for September 9, 2021.

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

FIRE DETAILS

Cause:
Under investigation

Size:
20,000 Acres

Containment: 0%

Location:
15 Miles NW of Lakeview

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Cougar Peak Fire, burning approximately 15 miles northwest of Lakeview, has grown today and is now estimated to be more than 20,000 acres with no containment.

Fire behavior today continued to be active, with running, torching, and spotting in mixed conifer and brush. The fire is burning primarily to the northeast on the Lakeview Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands.

Numerous wildland firefighting resources are assigned to the fire, with more on order.

The South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the fire last night.

Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 8, a Type 2 Team, arrived overnight and will take command of the fire at 6:00 AM today. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team has also been assigned to the incident.

There is a Red Flag Warning in effect from 1:00 PM Thursday to 9:00 AM Friday for strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and abundant lightning on dry fuels. A Fire Weather Watch in effect from Friday morning through Friday afternoon for abundant lightning on dry fuels.

Smoke from the fire is highly visible along Oregon State Highway 140 between Lakeview and Quartz Mountain, as well as along U.S. Highway 395. Smoke impacts continued today in the Paisley, Summer Lake, and Valley Falls areas.

Cougar Fire Operations Map. September 9, 2021. Click to enlarge.

Drivers should use caution due to increased traffic from wildland firefighting equipment and possible reduced visibility from smoke.

Recreation sites in the area are closed, including Upper Cottonwood Campground and Cottonwood Creek Trailhead.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management and the Incident Commander has identified areas for evacuation. Please visit https://www.lakecountyor.org/ for the latest evacuation map.

Area residents and visitors are reminded that Public Use Restrictions are still in effect on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, as well as fire restrictions in effect on neighboring landscapes.

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. These fires can be destructive, resulting in evacuations, damage to property and natural resources, and affects public and firefighter safety.

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.

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