Homeowner charged after shooting near Bootleg Firefighters

The following is a press release from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.

BEATTY, Ore. - On Sunday, July 18, 2021, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call near the 31000 block of Godowa Springs Rd in eastern Klamath County on reports that a property owner was shooting near fire crews working on the Bootleg Fire.

KCSO Deputies along with Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers, and Troopers from Oregon State Police, made contact with the property owner involved.

The owner was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing with a Firearm.

Residents who have returned to previously evacuated areas should understand that fire crews and damage assessment teams will be in the area for many weeks and should exercise extreme caution with firearms. KCSO will continue regular patrols in the fire area to deter potential looting.

The areas around and within the fire perimeter that have been reopened to residents are not open to general public. Property owners that have returned are urged to minimize their travel and stay away from areas where fire crews are still working active fire.