Firefighters reach 6% containment on 53,000-acre Wrights Spring Fire

Firefighters have increased containment to six percent on the Wrights Spring Fire as they continue to protect communities west of Sprague River. The fire has burned 53,032 acres since it was detected on August 5, with 948 people assigned to the incident.

Operational efforts on Thursday are focused on patrolling and improving lines on the fire's east side, stretching from Skeen Ranch Road to Horton Reservoir. Overnight, nightshift crews successfully built fire lines along the 1119 road to tie back into Bliss Road, while other teams worked to connect Hildebrand Road to Rattlesnake Springs.

Structural firefighters are prioritizing the southeast and southwest sectors of the fire, where they are preparing defensible space around historic structures. Teams also continue to conduct precautionary triage and assessments within evacuation zones to identify potential hazards and access points should fire behavior change.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Klamath County Sheriff Office confirmed that one home and three outbuildings were lost earlier in the fire. Officials say additional damage will be identified and reported as crews gain better access to affected areas.

Weather conditions are expected to moderate over the next 36 hours as moisture increases. While Thursday and Friday remain warm and breezy, humidity levels are forecast to stay between 26 and 30 percent, with valley temperatures in the low 80s.

Multiple levels of evacuation remain in effect for Klamath County. Residents are urged to monitor their status via the Genasys Protect map.

Red Cross emergency shelters are open for people and small animals at Chiloquin Elementary School and Living Springs Fellowship in Bonanza. Large animals can be sheltered at the Klamath County Fairgrounds; owners should contact Maria Meister with Southern Oregon Emergency Aid at 831-235-3031.

Road closures are active for Sprague River Road from milepost 9 to Sprague River Drive and Bliss Road from Petersteiner Road to Sprague River. An emergency closure also remains in effect for portions of the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area. Officials reminded the public that flying unauthorized drones is illegal and will immediately ground all firefighting aircraft.

For real-time smoke updates, visit the official smoke outlook page.