Middle Fork Fire Update: Over 5,286 Acres, Containment At 61%

UPDATE: Middle Fork Fire Update: 70% Contained, Covers 5,286 acres

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore — The U.S. Forest Service has issued a release confirming that the Middle Fork Fire at Crater Lake is 61% contained. The fire now covers 5,286 acres.

Middle Fork Fire Crews Make Progress

As fire-related hazard reduction work resumes, the north entrance to Crater Lake National Park is closed to all traffic and will reopen on Friday afternoon. The park be accessed through the south entrance and remains open

On the park’s northwest side, drivers on Highway 230 were warned to be especially cautious as heavy equipment is being used by fire crews to remove downed and dead wood in the area.

When approaching firefighter activity, vehicles must drive carefully and slow down to avoid accidents. Park conditions can be confirmed here.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) said in a news release, “Please be patient, minimize distractions, and stay focused.”

Drivers must not enter closed areas for the safety of themselves and the fire crews even though barriers may not block entire roadways- this is to allow access to firefighter traffic. Do not drive around barriers.

Fire activity, falling trees, heavy equipment, and road grading are the reasons for the road closures. Entering closed areas disrupts crucial fire-related work and endangers drivers and firefighters.