Klamathon Fire Burns 35,000+ Acres; 30 Percent Contained

ASHLAND, OR — While the Klamathon Fire on the Oregon-California border continues to grow, firefighters made some progress over the weekend. By Monday morning, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) measured the fire at 35,250 acres, with 30 percent of the conflagration contained.

Since it began July 5, the wildfire has destroyed 81 structures between Hornbrook, California, and Ashland, Oregon, CalFire officials reported in their July 9 update. More 2,700 firefighters from agencies in California and Oregon are actively working to beat back the blaze.

The Klamathon Fire is reportedly to blame for at least one death and three injuries. In an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities, evacuation orders are still in place for the following communities and areas:

• Hornbrook, Hilt, Colestin, and the Irongate Reservoir.
• The Klamath River Community Estates — from east of Black Mountain to Desavado Road, and south of Copco Road to Ager Beswick Road
• East Irongate Estates — areas south of Irongate Reservoir/Copco Road, north of Ager/Beswick Road, west of Desavado Road and east of Snackenbury Creek
• Copco Lake Area — areas east of Jenny/Fall Creek, south of the Oregon State Line, north of Copco Road and west of Topsey Grade.

Evacuation warnings are in place for the Pheasant Valley area, east of Interstate-5, South of the Summit of Black Mountain, west of Ager and north of Yreka Ager Road; around the Airport Road area, southwest of York Road, west of Airport Road, north of Shelly Road, and east of Ager Road.

In the Bogus Creek area, folks around south of Ager Beswick Road, east of York Road, and west of Bogus Creek are also under evacuation warning.

An evacuation shelter was setup at the Jackson Street School, located at 405 Jackson St. in Yreka, California. Small animals can be taken to the Jackson Street Elementary shelter, and large animals can be taken to the Siskiyou County Fairgrounds at 1712 Fairlane Rd. in Yreka.

For more information on evacuations, call the Public Information Line at 530-842-2266.

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The following road closures also remain in effect:

• Ager Road at Klamathon Road
• Ager Road at Shelly
• Copco Road at Ager Road
• Klamathon Road at I-5
• Hilt at I-5
• Ditch Creek Road at I-5

Image via California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection