BLY, Ore. – Firefighters made great progress overnight on the Ponina Fire burning approximately 5 miles north of Beatty. The fire is estimated to be approximately 1,400 acres with 10 percent containment. The cause is under investigation.

A local Type 3 Incident Management Team took over management of the Ponina Fire this morning.

According to Incident Commander, Leland Hunter, the fire was reported yesterday around 2:00 PM and remains burning on privately owned lands. Afternoon and evening winds pushed the fire eastward across Sycan Road from its origin.

Yesterday firefighters were assisted by two air tankers from San Bernardino that came up from California, which were a great help in the firefighting. Two local interagency Hotshot Crews will be starting work on the fire this morning. Additional resources will be on the fire today.

Hunter believes approximately 6-dozers were working the fire overnight.

Two structures have been lost.

Evacuation levels have been dropped to Level 2 and area residents are able to return if they want but should be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Evacuations are being conducted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.

Ponina Fire. April 18, 2021 (Image: Brian Gailey)

Smoke is highly visible in the surrounding area, including Oregon State Highway 140. There will be increased fire traffic in the area, including on Hwy 140 and the Sycan Road. Travelers in the area should use caution, reduce speed, and be prepared for possible delays.

The fire is burning in an area with narrow roads. The public is advised to avoid the fire area for public and firefighter safety.

Temperatures continue to be unseasonably warm and summerlike. Relative humidity is expected to remain very low, in the teens. Fuels remain dormant and dry, meaning fire can carry quickly. The public is urged to use extreme caution with fire on private and wildlands, especially as the area is already seeing early wildfires.

Overnight, there was a minor injury to a non-agency person assigned to the Ponina Fire. The individual refused treatment and they are continuing to work on the fire.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE (4/18/21, 7:30 PM)

Ponina Fire burning near Beatty

View of the #PoninaFire from Oregon 140 looking east. April 18, 2021. (Submitted Photo)

BLY, Ore. – The Ponina Fire is currently burning on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected private land and the Bly Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest approximately 5 miles north of Beatty.

The fire is estimated to be approximately 1,200 acres with no containment. It is primarily wind-driven and burning in mixed conifer and brush. The cause is under investigation.

There are multiple structures threatened. Evacuations are being conducted by Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. Residents in the area should be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Electrical transmission lines in the area are threatened by the fire. Smoke is highly visible in the surrounding area, including Oregon State Highway 140.

Firefighting resources from ODF Klamath-Lake District and the Fremont-Winema National Forest are working on the fire. While additional resources are on order, there are challenges due to how early in the season a wildfire this size is occurring.

Temperatures this weekend have been unseasonably warm and summerlike. With a dry spring, little snowpack, and spring winds, these conditions can result in dry fuels and fire carrying quickly. The public is urged to use extreme caution with fire on private and wildlands, especially as the area is already seeing early wildfires.

This is a developing story, Klamath Falls News will provide updates on the fire as the information becomes available.

PONINA FIRE DETAILS

Cause:
Under Investigation

Size: 1,400 acres (approx)

Containment: 10%

Location: 5 miles northeast of Beatty

Evacuation: Level 2