Fire lines hold despite high winds overnight
/
A helicopter pilot takes off after refilling his water tank to fight the #CutoffFire near Bonanza, Oregon. June 20, 2021. (Image: Brian Gailey, Klamath Falls News)
Fire Details
Cause:
Under investigation
Start date/time:
6/18/21, 1:29 PM
Size:
1,150 Acres
Containment: 12%
Location:
6 Miles north of Bonanza, Oregon.
Resources:
Personnel - 341
Hand crews - 8
Engines - 18
Dozers - 4
Water Tenders - 8
Other Equipment - 6
Assigned aircraft: 9
Structures:
Threatened - 125
Damaged - Undetermined
Destroyed - Undermined
Fuels:
Timber & grass
Fire team:
Oregon Department of Forestry, IMT 1
[Coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.]
BONANZA, Ore.— High winds kept firefighters on the southern and western flanks of the Cutoff Fire busy overnight. Crews battled spot fires, strong winds and dry fuels to prevent additional fire spread.
Their hard work paid off—the fire stayed within the existing control lines with no net gain in acres burned.
Today, firefighters will concentrate on strengthening fire lines and cooling hot spots. At least three-quarters of the fire’s 1,150-acre perimeter has been lined. Containment has risen to 12 percent.
ODF Incident Management Team 1 will hold a community meeting on the fire today, June 22 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to join us at Bonanza Big Springs Park, 300 Main Street in Bonanza. A live stream will be available via Facebook Live. In the case of severe weather, please join us on the Facebook page for the virtual presentation at (https://www.facebook.com/CutoffFire2021).
Incident Commander Joe Hessel said, “Yesterday and last night were pivotal to keeping this fire in its footprint. Firefighters worked hard in extremely hot weather to keep winds from spreading the fire beyond our control lines.”
Evacuation levels were lowered Monday, allowing residents to return. However, hazards remain near the fire including possible down powerlines, fire-damaged trees, stump holes and other hazards. Roads in the fire area are limited to use by emergency vehicles and residents. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is continuing patrols in the area.
A Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation remains in effect for the area east of Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, between Jaguar Lane/Racoon Lane and Spaniel Lane/ Crocodile Lane, west of Thrasher Drive.
A Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation notice is in place for other areas. Damage assessment teams will be at the fire today evaluating structural impacts. ###
Map of the #CutoffFire as of June 22, 2021. [click to enlarge]
Additional fire maps, kfnews.org/wildfire-maps-2af38c
Evacuation Information
At noon on June 21, 2021, Klamath County Emergency Management, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, working with Incident Command for the Cutoff Fire in Bonanza Oregon reduced the evacuation Level 3 (GO NOW) to Level 2 (GET SET).
Level 2 (GET SET)
East of Bly Mountain Cutoff Rd, North to Grizzly Ln, West of Hummingbird Dr, and Forest Service Rd 3812 South three miles past Keno Springs Rd.
Level 1 (GET READY)
East of Bly Mountain Cutoff Rd, North to Hwy 140 and Kingfisher Dr, West of Hummingbird Dr, South to Grizzly Ln.
American Red Cross and the Klamath County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have set up shelter for evacuees at the Living Springs Fellowship Church (31897 Mission St, Bonanza, OR 97623). The shelter offers temporary housing, meals, first aid, and a pet shelter.
Significant events
Extreme, running, short-range spotting, and torching. Fuels are critically dry. Any new starts will establish quickly. Expect to see running, torching, and spotting. Gusty winds can effect spread and direction.
Outlook
Planned actions - Continue to secure, improve, and hold lines. Ensure all fire line is patrolled. Identify and be prepared to provide initial attack within the TFR. Grid and patrol for spot fires. Assist structure protection resources to protect and secure structures as necessary. Scout for, and identify contingency lines.
Projected incident activity - Gusty and erratic winds from the thunderstorms are expected throughout the incident area. This could potentially push control lines.
Current weather
Thunderstorms are expected in the area tonight, and they will start out dry and become increasingly wet through the night. If storms move right over the fire overnight, they may bring significant wetting rain. Rain from the storms should result in cooler conditions with better humidity recoveries tonight. Thunderstorms are possible again Wednesday night.
RELATED
June 21, 2021 - Firefighters make good progress despite challenging weather conditions
June 21, 2021 - Fire crews work spot fires as they prepare for shifting winds
June 20, 2021 - Fire crews make steady progress on Cutoff Fire near Bonanza
June 20, 2021 - Cutoff Fire burns 1000 acres
June 19, 2021 - Cutoff Fire ignites on Bly Mountain, Level 3 Evacuations ordered
Additional information on the Cutoff Fire can be located on their Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/CutoffFire2021/ ) and on Inciweb at ( https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7561/ )
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.