Copperfield Fire Update: Over 3,800 Acres, Containment Now At 43%

UPDATE: Copperfield Fire Update: Containment Reaches 68%

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has indicated that the Copperfield Fire in Klamath County currently covers around 3,802 acres and is 43% contained.

Firefighters Make Progress On Copperfield Fire

Firefighters are aiming to put a containment barrier in place 100′ from the perimeter of the fire. The cold black perimeter of the fire was extended yesterday and last night. Hose lines and cooling hot spots were extended along the fire line, achieving a containment level of 43%.

Unburnt pockets that consume fuels within the fire lines were responsible for most of the fire growth and hot spots putting out smoke can still be seen within the fire’s footprint. These issues are being addressed by aircraft water drops in tandem with crews working further into the main fire.

An increase in SE winds, low humidity, and higher temperatures are expected later this afternoon and this will increase the risk of spot fires. Firefighters are making preparations for the change in weather.

Copperfield Fire Containment Plans

Crews will continue supporting structure protection today and mop up in the wildland sections of the fire. The wildland crews will continue to strengthen the western perimeter of the fire and this will be strengthened by wildland crews holding the present footprint.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is also returning two task forces from Lane and Washington Counties to their local fire departments today, which will also be the last full shift for OSFM.

On Friday, OSFM Incident Management Team members and remaining task force members will also return to their home agencies, leaving ODF Team 3 in command of the fire.

Local resources combined with hundreds of wildland resources are continuing containment efforts, mop-up operations, and structure protection.