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Klamath Falls, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make progress on the Van Meter Fire 13 miles south of Klamath Falls. Crews working the night shift worked to strengthen hand and dozer containment lines around much of the fire’s perimeter.

The northeast portion of the fire near South Poe Valley Road and Reiling Road is in mop-up and patrol status as crews continue to improve and secure fire line while also providing structure protection.

Crews are working in conjunction with bulldozers on the south end of the fire near the Dodds Hollow area. Structure task forces are concentrating efforts on this end of the fire as well, while also being available to move freely to areas that may need immediate attention should the fire pose a threat.   

Currently, there are 3 structural task force teams focused on structure protection near Dodds Hollow and Patricia Lane. While fire activity has lessened on the northern portion of the fire, crews continue monitoring the area.

Due to better mapping from an overnight infrared flight, the fire is currently estimated at 2,448 acres.

For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.  An evacuation shelter has been established at the Klamath County Fair and Event Center in Klamath Falls for anyone displaced by the fire. 

We are urging the public to stay out of the fire area and off surrounding roads unless necessary. This will mitigate congestion, enhancing both public and firefighter safety.  The Bureau of Land Management has implemented a closure for lands around the fire.

Incident Commander Tyler McCarty led his comments at the morning briefing stating “The highest priority for this incident is firefighter and public safety, make sure you are focused on your situational awareness and expect the unexpected.”

Safety concerns for the fire include falling snags/trees, rattlesnakes, and driving hazards.  There have been no reportable accidents on the fire. 

Low humidity, high temperatures and unstable conditions will challenge firefighters as fire behavior increases under these conditions.

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been implemented around the fire to limit any aircraft not associated with firefighting activities in the airspace.  Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for drones.  A drone flying in the area can ground all operational aircraft and impact suppression activities.