Firefighters reach 9 percent containment on Wrights Spring Fire as structural teams begin demobilizing

Firefighters have increased containment to 9 percent on the 53,388-acre Wrights Spring Fire as Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces begin to demobilize from the incident.

The fire, located two miles west of Sprague River, has 943 personnel assigned as operations transition toward mopping up and securing established lines. During Saturday morning's briefing, all personnel observed a moment of silence for Jason Ensign, who lost his life while working on the fire. Family and fellow firefighters are gathering today to honor his life and service.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces are beginning to demobilize as structure protection needs decrease and conditions stabilize. Over the past several days, these task forces worked alongside local partners to prepare homes and protect critical infrastructure. Two task forces will remain on the fire, divided into north and south zones, to continue monitoring structures and providing surge resources if needed. This transition allows state resources to support wildland partners in areas with the highest potential for impact,.

Overnight, nightshift crews on the south end of the fire worked to improve primary containment lines. Saturday, heavy equipment groups are continuing to prep lines east of Swan Lake down to Egert Road. Ground crews are focused on mopping up direct lines from Hildebrand Road to Egert Road and increasing the depth of mop-up from Skeen Ranch Road to Bliss Road.

Weather conditions are expected to remain warm with light winds through the weekend, with valley temperatures in the low 80s and humidity levels between 21 and 24 percent.

Multiple evacuation levels remain in effect throughout Klamath County. Residents should check their specific status on the Genasys Protect map. Red Cross emergency shelters are open for residents and small animals at Chiloquin Elementary School and Living Springs Fellowship in Bonanza. Owners needing to shelter large animals should contact Southern Oregon Emergency Aid at 831-235-3031 to arrange space at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.

Several closures are in place to support fire suppression activity, including Bliss Road from Petersteiner Road to Sprague River. Fire officials have also implemented an emergency closure order for the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

A temporary flight restriction is in effect over the fire area. The public is reminded that flying unauthorized drones is prohibited and can force the immediate grounding of all firefighting aircraft.

For additional information, the public can visit the Wrights Spring Inciweb page or monitor the official smoke outlook.