Spence Fire [UPDATED]
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The #SpenceFire along ORE-140 is estimated to be 50 acres in size. (Image: ODF)
UPDATE: 7/21/2020 - 4:47 PM
The Oregon Department of Forestry has reported the Spence Fire has now reached 83.4 acres with 90% contained. ODF is also reporting that 80% of the fire has been “mopped up”.
UPDATE: 7/17/2020 - 11:00 AM
With a more accurate area calculation the Spence Fire is 78 acres with approximately 60% containment as of Friday morning.
Crews worked through the night to ensure containment lines were secure and continued mop up.
Today the fire will be staffed with the same personnel as yesterday with the intent to reinforce lines, fall hazard trees, and to continue mop up within 300 feet of the containment line. This fire will continue to be visible from the highway for the next few days.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - At approximately 5:30 PM yesterday evening [July 15, 2020] a wildfire broke out in the rough terrain above the lake on Spence Mountain. When firefighters arrived on scene the fire had already grown to approximately 1/2 acre.
The fire burned actively overnight and is now approximately 50 acres.
Crews are actively suppressing the fires spread today with the help of multiple agencies and air resources.
“Today they will continue to build line and secure existing line. There are approximately 150 people assigned to the incident today,” said Jennifer Case, Oregon Department of Forestry.
“Due to ongoing fire operations in the area of Highway 140 Northwest of Running Y for the Spence Fire, the Spence Mountain Trailhead System as well as the Howard Bay Boat Launch are closed to public use, said Brandon Fowler Klamath CountyPublic Information Officer.
Fowler continued, “In addition, watercraft are urged to avoid the waters of Howard Bay so to not interfere with aircraft. This is being done out of an abundance of caution so that there is no interference with aircraft supporting fire operations.”
Overnight the #SpenceFire grew from 10 to 50 acres. (Image Brian Gailey, Klamath Falls News) More overnight photos.
“With the recent warm-up and predicted hot and dry weather forecasted Klamath and Lake Counties would like the public to help prevent wildfires by following all restrictions on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Klamath-Lake District. This affects all private, county, and state forestlands,” said Case.
The Lakeview Interagency Fire Center website: https://scofmp.org/ is available to assist in keeping people informed of current and changing conditions for our area.
The air quality of Klamath Falls have not yet been effected by the Spence Fire.
Klamath Falls News is continuously monitoring the fire situation and will provide updates as they become available. We here at KFN urge the community to keep their distance and respectfully allow fire personnel the opportunity to work safely.
RELATED:
July 16, 2020 - Wildfire ignites on Spence Mountain
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Approximate location of the #SpenceFire. (Google)
Spence Fire Details
Cause:
Under Investigation
Size:
83.4 Acres
Containment:
80%
Location:
Spence Mountain. 15-miles northwest of Klamath Falls
Resources:
• Oregon Department of Forestry
• US Forest Service
• Bureau of Land Management
Last Update:
4:45 PM 7/21/2020