(Cover photo by Sevin Qualls)
Sycan River Fire burning on Fremont-Winema National Forest
BLY, Ore. – The Sycan River Fire continues to burn on the Fremont-Winema National Forest in Klamath County approximately 20 miles north of Beatty.
The fire is estimated to be approximately 650 acres with no containment. Approximately 5 acres of private wildlands are in the fire area. The fire was reported Sunday afternoon around 2:30. The cause is under investigation.
Firefighters made progress great progress on the fire overnight, with an estimated 80 percent of the fire lined and successful burnout operations took place. Firefighters are focusing on the southern side of the fire today to strengthen protection for nearby private lands.
Resources on the fire include engines, fire crews, dozers, water tenders and aerial resources from federal and state agencies and contractors. The South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) Type 3 Team took over management of the Sycan River Fire this morning.
Forest Road 27 is closed from the intersection with Forest Road 30 north to the intersection with Forest Road 46. This closure is for firefighter and public safety. This is the only road closure associated with the fire. However, drivers should be prepared for increased fire traffic in the area and aware of their surroundings. This includes large equipment on narrow Forest roads and traffic on area highways.
A Level 2 (get set) evacuation order remains in place for the Sycan Forest Estates per the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. This means residents need to be prepared to leave immediately if needed.
American Red Cross and the Klamath County Community Emergency Response Team stand ready to set up a temporary evacuation point in the Bly area, should an increase in the evacuation level be issued from Incident Command.
The weather forecast for today and into this week is for summer-like temperatures, with hot and dry conditions. The spring has been unseasonably warm and dry which, when mixed with winds, can carry fire quickly. The public is asked to use extreme caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. This includes campfires are dead-out and cold to the touch before leaving.
Consider becoming a Subscriber for up to date fire information and incident notifications.
You can also sign up for additional alerts from Klamath County government here
