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Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Widespread haze after 11am. Areas of smoke. Sunny, with a high near 90. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Tonight, Widespread haze after 11pm. Clear, with a low around 51. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Widespread haze. Areas of smoke after 11am. Sunny, with a high near 93. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east northeast in the afternoon. Friday night, plenty of smokey haze before 11pm. Clear, with a low around 52. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. North wind 5 to 9 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon. Overnight, mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Overnight, mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 84.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 81.
Today’s Headlines
A fast growing wildfire east of Stukel Mountain is causing level 3 evacuations to the southeast of Klamath Falls. Its being called the Van Meter Fire. The fire is burning in Van Meter Flat on Stukel Mountain.
The situation is evolving rapidly. Fire crews, including aircraft, and fire personnel and equipment as Wednesday evening fell. Some rain overnight helped firefighters and air strikes will begin this morning. The fire has now spread over 3500 acres and continues to grow. Smoke and haze is often blowing into the city of Klamath Falls.
The following evacuations are in place for the Van Meter Fire.-Level 3 (Go): Crystal Springs Rd east of Hill Rd. So. Poe Valley Rd from Crystal Springs Rd to Weber Rd.- Level 1 (Ready): Harpold Rd west to Hill Rd and north of Taylor Rd, just north of the town Merrill. A temporary evacuation center is being set up at the Klamath County Fairgrounds by the Red Cross and Klamath County CERT. For up-to-date evacuation orders call- 541-205-9730. Webber Road and South Poe Valley Road will be closed until further notice.
This is a developing story. Conditions are changing rapidly. More information will be coming.
8:06AM Thursday update from BasinLife.com, Wynne Broadcasting:
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has UPGRADED to LEVEL 2 (BE SET) evacuation notification for Harpold Rd west to Hill Rd. North of Taylor Rd, just north of the town Merrill.LEVEL 2 (BE SET) to evacuate means:There is significant danger in your area – be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. Conditions can change rapidly. Red Cross and Klamath County CERT have established a presence at the Klamath County Fairgrounds to receive evacuees.
9:08PM Update: ODF Type 1 Incident Management Team 3 is headed to the Van Meter Fire in the Klamath-Lake District. This fire on Stukel Mountain southeast of Klamath Falls is estimated at 800-1,000 acres with rapid spread. Evacuations are in effect.
5:22PM Update: Evacuation centers have opened up in Klamath Falls for those impacted by the Van Meter Fire.
The Red Cross is setting up a temporary evacuation center at the Klamath County Fairgrounds at 3531 S. 6th St, Klamath Falls, OR 97603.
For those with dogs and cats, there are two places available at this time.
Cherish K9 House will be open all day and night for those needing to evacuate small dogs and cats. Those who are clients of the dog day care center are also able to bring in their pet, no matter the size. Cherish K9 House is located at 2006 Oregon Ave, Klamath Falls, OR 97601.
Double-C Dog Training is also opening its doors for evacuated dogs, and they are located at 4141 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603.
UnFurrgettable Pet Care is also open for all evacuated cats and dogs. They are located at 601 S. 5th St, Klamath Falls, OR 97601.
BasinLife.com will keep you updated throughout the day today here.