BLY MOUNTAIN, OR – The Elk Fire was reported Tuesday about 8 miles north of Bonanza.  The fire continues to burn actively on both private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Fremont-Winema National Forest lands, spreading in a northeast direction.

As of this morning, the Elk Fire is estimated at 2,000 acres with 0% containment. Wildland and structural firefighting crews are working together to gather information; more accurate mapping is expected as work progresses along the fire perimeter.

Over the last two days neighboring structural resources from Klamath and Lake counties were mobilized to assist local resources with suppression activities for the fire. Given the fire’s rapid growth and the high fire potential in the area, the Governor signed a conflagration declaration at 12:07 p.m., authorizing the mobilization of structural resources under the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM.)

Two OSFM structural task forces arrived last night, with three more arriving this morning to support suppression efforts. The mutual aid task forces from Klamath and Lake counties will return home today to protect their local communities.

Overnight operations focused on scouting and constructing fireline using both bulldozers and hand crews. Firefighters made steady progress despite challenging terrain and visibility.

Today, wildland and structural firefighters will be working together to secure existing containment lines, slow fire spread and protect homes, outbuildings, and key infrastructure in the area including a high-power transmission line to the east of the fire. Repairs to the fiber optic line providing internet and phone services east of the fire continue. 

Additional firefighting resources are arriving throughout the day, allowing ground crews to engage the fire on multiple fronts.

Weather conditions today include temperatures in the upper 80s and breezy winds, which could contribute to increased fire activity.

The fire is being managed under a Unified Command between the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Red Incident Management Team and Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Incident Management Team 1.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is overseeing evacuations in the affected area. Residents are urged to stay informed about evacuation levels and be prepared to act quickly. For the latest evacuation information, please visit: https://protect.genasys.com/search

The American Red Cross shelter is open at:
Living Springs Church
31897 Mission Street
Bonanza, OR 97623

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 6500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

Moderate fire behavior was observed throughout Wednesday, including group torching and spotting up to a quarter mile ahead of the main fire line. Although fire activity was steady during the daytime, terrain-driven winds and late-afternoon gusts created challenging conditions for firefighters. Crews focused their efforts on securing existing dozer lines and reinforcing handlines on the fire’s west side.

A fiber optic line damaged by the fire is currently being repaired. Service is expected to be restored later tonight or by tomorrow.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is overseeing evacuation efforts in the affected areas. Residents are urged to stay alert and monitor official sources for updates. For real-time evacuation information, please visit: https://protect.genasys.com/search

EVACUATION UPDATE HERE:
https://share.watchduty.org/i/54958?ts=1752086997000
  https://app.watchduty.org/i/54958

Recreational use advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in Klamath County, due to the microcystin above recreational use values for human exposure. 

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the wetland where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

Due to the high level of microcystin and uncertainty about accumulation of toxins in fish, consuming fish caught at Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is not recommended at this time.

OHA encourages people to visit Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

A remarkable and inspiring artwork has been officially installed at the Southside Bypass Roundabout (the intersection of Homedale Rd and OR 140).

This magnificent sculpture has been a long-held aspiration, in development since the autumn of 2019, and it is genuinely delightful to witness it materialize into such a vibrant reality. This beautification initiative was a partnership involving Healthy Klamath, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Diversified Contractors Inc, Klamath County, the City of Klamath Falls, and Sky Lakes, with the project managed from conception to completion by Healthy Klamath Project Manager Kelsey Mueller Wendt.

The focal point of the installation is a majestic eagle, skillfully designed and crafted by the esteemed artist Stefan Savides. It stands proudly atop a 10-foot pedestal, marking his largest work to date. Surrounding this impressive sculpture, the carefully curated landscape design by Four Seasons Landscaping enhances the overall artistry and elegance of the installation.

This beautiful addition truly embodies Klamath’s commitment to improving its public spaces and enriching the local art scene, transforming the roundabout into a genuine landmark of beauty and pride for our community.

 

The Klamath Childcare Learning Center, proposed for the Klamath Community College campus, has recently been awarded a $2 million grant from Business Oregon, bringing it closer to realization.

This center, a collaboration between KCC, the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC), and Klamath County, is designed to be a 29,000-square-foot facility that will serve up to 145 children in a daycare school environment. It will feature 12 flexible classrooms for children and 2 classrooms dedicated to KCC’s Early Childhood Education program.

Additionally, the center will include two ADA-compliant playgrounds, a fully equipped kitchen for nutritious meals and snacks, and safe curb-to-door bus access. The OCDC will oversee the daily operations of the center. Daycare services will be available to KCC students, staff, and the general public.

This facility is set to become the largest daycare center in Klamath County and the second largest in the state. The estimated construction cost of the building ranges from $18 to $22 million. KCC has already secured most of the necessary funding, with further financial support expected through a community-based capital campaign launching in the fall, as well as ongoing efforts to obtain additional grant funding.