CHILOQUIN, Ore. — Fire officials say that a wildfire between Chiloquin and Sprague River prompted evacuations and road closures on Wednesday afternoon. The S'Ocholis Canyon Fire (or the Potter's Fire) is burning in the 9 Mile area and was last estimated to cover roughly 30 acres.
According to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP), firefighters have managed to stop the fire's forward progress. Mop-up is now underway with the goal of reaching full containment.
Chiloquin Fire and Rescue said shortly after 3 p.m. that no structures have been damaged or lost.
By 3:30 p.m., fire officials said that road closures and evacuations had been lifted. However, there will continue to be increased fire traffic in the area, including on Sprague River Highway. Drivers are asked to use caution and be prepared for delays.
"Smoke from the fire is likely to be visible in the area between mileposts 10 and 12 on Sprague River Highway over the next few days," SCOFMP said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Klamath County Fire District 1 underlined that open burning is not permitted right now.
"KCFD1 has responded to several escaped fires this year already," the agency said. "The conditions outside are prime for fires to burn. The grasses, shrubbery and trees are just coming out of dormancy. The foliage is as dry now as it is in early parts of the summer months."
"Conditions are unseasonably warm and dry in Klamath and Lake counties this spring. The public is asked to use caution with anything that can ignite a fire," SCOFMP said.
