Wildfire burns through Collier State Park [UPDATED]
/UPDATE 8:30 AM, 9/8/2020
Evacuation Levels have increased due to the fast growth of this wind-driven fire.
There is now a Level 3 Evacuation for Oregon Shores at Agency Lake. Klamath County Sheriff’s Deputies and local firefighters are notifying residents. Anyone in the area should evacuate immediately.
Area residents are advised to monitor the current situation and make preparations for evacuation. If they feel unsafe, they are advised to evacuate rather than wait to be notified.
The Two Four Two Fire is currently estimated to be more than 2,000 acres and is wind-driven, continuing to move to the south-southwest.
MODIS Fire Detection Map for the Two Four Two Fire as of 9:45 AM, 9/8/2020.
The closure on U.S. Highway 97 now extends from the junction with Oregon State Highway 62 south of Chiloquin to Forest Road 9732 at Oux Kanee Overlook. Oregon State Highway 422 North is also closed, as well as Highway 62 between Highway 97 and Highway 422 North.
The fire jumped Highway 422
Anyone to the south-southwest of the fire, including the Agency Lake area, is advised to be organized and ready for evacuation. They should be prepared to leave immediately if necessary.
The fire is currently active between Hwy 97 to the east, Hwy 62 to the west, Hwy 422 North and Hwy 422 South. It continues to be wind-driven, moving to the south and southwest. The fire is currently estimated to have burned at least 4 miles from its initial point and the winds are not letting up.
Firefighters would like to thank everyone who has followed the evacuation orders and to law enforcement for getting people out. This has allowed firefighters to focus on protecting firefighter safety and trying to help impacted properties.
Please bear in mind, this fire is moving extremely fast – firefighters and law enforcement have been working through the night to stay ahead of the fire for the safety of our neighbors and communities. This is a dynamic and rapidly changing situation. We are trying to get information out as quickly and effectively as possible.
Please follow our Facebook Page (Facebook.com/KlamathFallsNews) for the latest info
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CHILOQUIN, Ore. - The Two Four Two Fire began yesterday evening in the Williamson River Campground 1.5 miles northeast of Collier State Park in the Chiloquin Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Hot and dry winds from a passing cold front pushed the fire to the southwest through Collier State Park and into neighborhoods of Chiloquin. At last report, the fire was over 1,000 acres and advancing over 4-miles away from the starting point.
The fire is wind-driven, with short-range sporting to the south and growing rapidly.
The fire is burning on both sides of US97.
A Ponderosa Pine tree torches next to US97. (Image: SCOFMP)
20 engines, 2 hand crews, and 5 dozers have been assigned to the fire. Additional fire resources have been ordered.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
US Highway 97 is currently closed northbound at South Chiloquin Road and southbound at the Oux Kanee Overlook. Oregon State Police along with the Oregon Department of Transportation are handling the road closure.
There is a Level 3 “Go” evacuation for areas west of US Highway 97 from the ORE Highway 66 Junction to FS-9732 and east of ORE Highway 66 from the US Highway 97 junction to the Klamath Fish Hatchery, including ORE Highway 422 and South Chiloquin Road.
Those in the path of the fire, including near Agency Lake is advised to be organized and ready for evacuation and prepared to leave immediately if needed.
Evacuation notices have also ordered for residents off Rainbow Park east of US Highway 97.
The Klamath County Sherrif’s Office are conducting the evacuations. Collier State Park and Collier State Campground was evacuated earlier this evening.
The red glow from the fire filles the sky above Chiloquin, Oregon. September 7, 2020 (Image, Brian Gailey / Klamath Falls News)
The Red Cross has established an evacuation center at KlaMoYa Casino south of Chiloquin. Evacuees with questions are asked not to call 911 but to report to the evacuation center instead.
Klamath County Sheriff, Chris Kaber discusses strategy with Chiloquin Fire Chief, Brandon Cook. September 7, 2020 (Image: Brian Gailey / Klamath Falls News)
A local Type 3 Incident Management Team with the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) will take command of the fire at 6:00 AM, September 8, 2020.
A Red Flag Warning due to critical fire weather continues today through midnight for strong gusty winds and low relative humidity.
This is a rapidly changing wind driven fire with conditions evolving quickly. Follow Klamath Falls News and Cascade Firewatch on Facebook for the latest updates.
Video by SCOFMP.
More images
Two Four Two Fire Details
Cause:
Under Investigation
Size:
2,000+ acres
Containment:
0%
Location:
4 Miles northwest of Chiloquin, Oregon.
Resources:
20 Engines
2 Hand Crews
5 Dozers
Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry
Chiloquin Fire
Rocky Point Fire
Keno Fire
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