Oregon – The Wrights Spring Fire is pushing deeper into south-central Oregon with no containment yet, forcing crews to build defensive lines ahead of the flames while communities remain on alert.
By Monday, the lightning-caused wildfire had expanded to 46,769 acres since it was first detected Aug. 5. A total of 555 personnel were assigned to the incident as firefighters concentrated on slowing the fire’s movement to the southeast.
The fire remained active Sunday as it advanced along Bliss Road near Round Mountain. Overnight, crews used heavy equipment to construct new fire lines stretching east and west from Bliss Road, with the goal of strengthening protection around the Bly Mountain area.
Firefighters also carried out strategic burning near the northern end of Saddle Mountain. The controlled operation was used to reinforce barriers and reduce the chance of the wildfire crossing established lines.
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Monday’s work centered heavily on Bliss Road and Skeen Ranch Road, where crews were improving bulldozer lines designed to stop further southeastern growth. Firefighters were also holding existing lines intended to keep the fire from advancing toward Chiloquin and Sprague River.
Another defensive line was completed north of Peter Steiner Road and connected with Horton Reservoir, creating additional separation between the fire and nearby homes.
Resources were being positioned in areas where fire activity could increase. Protection efforts included Saddle Mountain and Elde Street to the north, along with areas affected by the fire around Skeen Mountain Road to the south and east. Crews were also evaluating homes on both sides of Highway 140 in the Bly Mountain area and scouting Swan Lake for additional structure-defense opportunities.
Weather remains a concern. Warm, very dry and breezy conditions are expected, with valley temperatures potentially reaching the low 90s and relative humidity falling to around 11%. Current smoke conditions and forecasts are available through the official smoke outlook.
Evacuation levels have changed around Sprague River and other areas near the fire. Residents are urged to check the Klamath County evacuation map for their specific status.
Shelters for people and small animals are available at Chiloquin Elementary School, 548 S. 2nd Ave., and Living Springs Fellowship, 31897 Mission St. in Bonanza. Large livestock can be taken to the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Cattle assistance is available through Southern Oregon Emergency Aid representative Maria Meister at 831-235-3031.
Road closures include Sprague River Road between milepost 9 and Sprague River Drive, along with Bliss Road from Peter Steiner Road to Sprague River. The Fremont-Winema National Forest also issued an emergency area closure on Aug. 9.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect, and unauthorized drones can force firefighting aircraft to stop operating. Updated incident information is available through the Wrights Spring InciWeb page and the fire’s consolidated information page.
