FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 25, 2023
Contact: Ken Smith, Public Relations Director
kenneth.smith@klamathtribes.com ; 541-783-2219 ext. 147
Golden Fire in Bly Continues as Windy Conditions and High Temps Test Containment
CHILOQUIN, Ore. – The Golden Fire on Bly Mountain is ongoing and spreading. The fire was first reported 11 miles north of Bonanza in Klamath County on Saturday. So far, more than 2,000 acres have burned, and 100 nearby homes are under threat. Officials reported that the fire is 0% contained.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Still, according to the Klamath County Sheriff’s office in a press release, law enforcement officials said the fire was probably caused by human activity. High temperatures and windy afternoon conditions are expected to persist for the next several days, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry reported, possibly switching from the north in three to four days, which is making fire containment difficult.
According to the Oregon Dept. of Forestry, level 3 (go now) orders are in place east of Oregon 140 East and the Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, south of Polar Bear Lane, and north of Keno Springs Road. The American Red Cross operates a shelter for wildfire evacuees at Bonanza Schools on Mission Street. The fiber optic line for significant portions of Klamath and Lake Counties was severed due to the fire causing the loss of 911 and LIFC inter-agency dispatch center operations, Lakeview hospital, Lakeview pharmacy, county-wide internet, and phone service.
The fire can potentially create smoky conditions in Klamath County in the next few days, Klamath County Public Health reported.
