Fire Season for Klamath & Lake Counties begins Saturday

The following is a press release from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON - Fire officials in Klamath and Lake Counties will officially declare fire season beginning Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 12:01 AM on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Klamath-Lake District and Walker Range Fire Patrol Association. This affects all private, county, and state forestlands. 

“Where we are at with fuel conditions, lack of spring rains, extreme and exceptional drought, and continuous fire activity in Klamath County, Lake County, and around the state, Klamath-Lake District will be declaring fire season on Saturday, May 15th at 12:01 AM.” stated Randall Baley, Protection Unit Forester, Oregon Department of Forestry. “The total package of conditions all adds up to make the public aware of the situation and minimize the potential for human-caused fires.”

The “Fire Season in effect” declaration puts into place regulations restricting debris burning and timber harvest operations.  Wildland and structural fire protection agencies in Klamath and Lake Counties have agreed to prohibit all outdoor debris burning.  Forest operations that require a Permit to Operate Power Driven Machinery now are required to have fire tools, on-site water supply, and watchman service on privately owned forestland.  

Declaring “Fire Season” also activates the adjective class (fire danger) measures and South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership will begin at MODERATE level and IFPL (Industrial Fire Precaution Level) at a level I.