The #VanMeterFire is burning on Stukel Mountain, 13 miles southeast of Klamath Falls. The fire was reported on September 7, 2022, at 12:24 p.m. Current size estimate is 3,500 acres and no containment.

Fire personnel worked through the night on structure protection and fire suppression.

The local Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the fire through today. A Type 1 Incident Management Team is en-route and will assume command on today at 6 p.m.


A total of 260 structures are threatened and five structures have been confirmed lost to the blaze; one of which is a residence. All structures damaged are located on S. Poe Valley Road south of Beta Lane.

The following evacuations are in effect:

  • Level 3 (GO) – Crystal Springs Road east of Hill Road and South Poe Valley Road from Crystal Springs Road to Weber Road.
  • Level 2 (BE SET) – Harpold Road west to Hill Road North of Taylor Road, just north of the town Merrill.

For up-to-date evacuation orders call – 541-205-9730.

Weather: Significant fire potential remains elevated today due to the combination of high fire danger and hot, dry, and unstable weather. Holdover fires from yesterday’s lightning are likely to emerge