Update on Bootleg Fire burning on Chiloquin Ranger District

South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership - SCOFMP

CHILOQUIN, Ore. – The #BootlegFire continues to burn on the Chiloquin Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest on Fuego Mountain approximately 11 miles northeast of the town of Sprague River.

The fire is estimated to be 3,000 acres with no containment.  It was reported around 1:45 p.m. yesterday and the cause is under investigation.

The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain in mixed conifer and lodgepole pine.  Fire behavior includes running, torching and spotting.

Last night firefighters were only able to work on indirect firefighting tactics, strengthening roads and creating an anchor point, due to extreme and active fire behavior overnight.  Work was also done to assess and start protection measures for the two private properties northeast of the fire.

With ongoing hot, dry weather and winds today, it is expected that the Bootleg Fire’s behavior will continue to be extremely active today.

Numerous wildland firefighting resources are arriving on the fire this morning and throughout the day.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team is scheduled to arrive in the area this afternoon.

Smoke from the fire is highly visible from Oregon State Highway 140, Sprague River Highway, Chiloquin and the surrounding area.

Drivers should expect increased traffic in the area from fire equipment and are asked to use caution driving in the area.  Area residents and Forest visitors are asked to avoid the fire area, including Forest Roads 44, 46 and 3462, as well as Head of the River Campground and Sycan Crossing dispersed campground.

The fire is still only burning on National Forest System lands.  However, multiple structures are threatened east of the fire.

Following are the current evacuation levels, at the request of the Bootleg Fire Incident Commander, issued by Klamath County Emergency Management:

• Level 2 (GET SET)

o Two properties located northeast of the fire.  Level 2 is notice that the danger has dramatically increased and they need to be prepared to leave at any moment.

• Level 1 (GET READY)

o Sycan Estates area north of the town of Beatty in eastern Klamath County.  Level 1 is notice for residents in the affected area that wildfire is potentially near them and they should begin preparations to leave should the Incident Commander believe further increase in evacuation levels is warranted.

For the latest evacuation information, visit https://www.facebook.com/KlamathCountyGov.  To sign up for Klamath County alerts, visit http://alerts.klamathcounty.org.

South Central Oregon is continuing to have an active and early fire season.  Area residents and visitors are asked to use extreme caution with anything that could spark a wildfire.  Suspected wildfires should be reported immediately to 911.

#FireYear2021