Tanker Base

The Klamath Falls Tanker Base was a bustling hub of activity yesterday. From 5:00pm to 8:00pm ten aircraft landed at the base to refuel and refill with retardant to be dropped on the Quarantine Fire, North Fire, Stone Fire and Watson Creek. The tanker base was not anticipating that many aircraft in such a short time frame. They had to call in extra crews to handle the extra workload. Century Aviation, who handles the aircraft fuel also had to call in additional support to refuel the aircraft.

Some of the aircraft that landed at the base included; an United States Airforce C-130 - Tanker 4, four CAL FIRE aircraft (89, 93, 94, & 96), Aeroflite Tanker #161 and an Erickson Air Tanker #107.

The Klamath Falls Tanker Base anticipates to have a busy day again today as aircraft are expected to fly in and out to fight fires nearby.

Modoc National Forest

Of the three fires started by lightning on the Modoc National Forest yesterday, the Stone Fire is the largest. It is west of Yellowjacket Spring and south of County Road 84 and was last estimated at approximately 1,500 acres.

Firefighters had almost completed line around the Stone Fire yesterday when they had to disengage due to increasing winds and extreme fire behavior. Fire crews then reengaged and had success last night with burn-out operations along County Road 84 and the Pit River.

Please avoid the area, including Cottonwood Campground and other areas accessed by County Road 84 at Canby Bridge.

Northern California Interagency Incident Management Team Two will arrive this afternoon to begin the transition to management of this incident

The Quarantine Fire is two miles south of the Hwy 139 quarantine station. At last report, this fire was approximately 27 acres with line all the way around it. Crews will continue to hold lines today and begin the mop-up process

The North Fire in the Southern Warner Mountains is three miles southwest of Pine Creek Basin. It was last reported at one acre with line all the way around it. Fire crews spent the night monitoring this fire to ensure heavy fuels burning close to fire lines stayed within the fire perimeter. Burning snags may continue to pose risks to fire lines today

Multiple storm cells were reported over the forest yesterday and recent measurements show fuels are dryer than ever. More fires could become active. Please call Modoc Interagency Dispatch Center at 530-233-4581 to report wildfires.

Lake County

Near Lakeview, Oregon, the Watson Creek Fire is estimated at 13 acres. The fire is burning in difficult terrain and firefighters are having trouble gaining good access to the fire. Additional ground and air resources have been ordered and will continue to be working to stop the spread of the fire.

Klamath Falls News coverage of the 2018 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Excel Auto Body.

We at Excel Auto Body appreciate the brave men and women wildland firefighters that put themselves in harms way to protect our greatest treasures. Thank you for all that you.

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