Fire burns into Crater Lake: Growing Middle Fork fire spreads into remote portion of the park
Herald and News
Klamath Falls, Oregon
September 20, 2008
BY LEE JUILLERAT
H&N Regional Editor
A forest fire burning in the Sky Lakes Wilderness more than doubled in size and spread into a remote southwestern portion of Crater Lake National Park and areas of the Fremont-Winema National Forests.
The Middle Fork Fire, estimated at 7,700 acres
Wednesday, expanded to 17,800 acres Friday night, according to Forest Service officials. The lightning-caused blaze started in mid-August, but was not a major concern until earlier this week. It rapidly advanced Wednesday and Thursday. Until this week, it was centered along the Middle Fork Rogue River Trail on the western flanks of the Sky Lakes Wilderness.
The wilderness area straddles the Cascades on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest on the west side and Fremont-Winema on the east side.
Although it moved into the park, the fire has not affected park visitors and is not near any park structures. Park spokesmen said Friday the fire is in a remote southwestern corner in the Union Peak area. Because of the threat, however, the park south of Highway 62 has been closed to hikers. Park officials said visitors should expect heavy smoke and possible delays if fire crews and equipment are moving through the area.
The Forest Service, which has a base camp in Prospect, established a “spike” camp at the Annie Creek Sno-Park near the park’s south entrance.
15 percent contained
Fire spokeswoman Ada Tackas said the fire is about 15 percent contained. Because of its remote location, full control is not expected until October.
“We’ve had a very productive day,” Tackas said Friday evening. “They’re getting a lot of fire line put in. The next few days we except that we’ll be very productive.”
Nearly 70 0 people, including 18 20-person fire crews, are involved in firefighting efforts, along with eight helicopters, seven engines, two bulldozers and 14 water tenders.
Tackas said it’s hoped that cooler, moister air that moved into Southern Oregon Friday and is predicted to continue through early next week will help f ire control efforts.
The northern third of Sky Lakes, which extends from Highway 140 near the Lake of the Woods to Crater Lake National Park, remains closed to hikers and equestrians. No residences are threatened and three Forest Service structures within the wilderness have been protected.
Other pages in this section
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- Ranger-Guided Snowshoe Walks – November 27, 2008
- New USGS Geologic Map of Mount Mazama and Crater Lake Caldera, Oregon – November 24, 2008
- Crater Lake snow total back to average level – November 5, 2008
- Crater Lake seeks volunteers – November 3, 2008
- Rim Drive at Crater Lake closes for season – November 3, 2008
- Hands and Hoofs: Horse Group helps Crater Lake Ski Patrol mark winter trails – September 18, 2008
- Ski patrol volunteers needed at Crater Lake Park – October 10, 2008
- Parts of wilderness area, Crater Lake park reopen: Cooler weather, rain help firefighters control Middle Fork Fire – October 9, 2008
- Crater Lake facilities closing down: Crater Lake Lodge to close Sunday for the season – October 7, 2008
- Meeting set on Middle Fork Fire – September 23, 2008
- Middle Fork wildfire hits 17,869 then slows down – September 23, 2008
- Weather helps Royce Butte Fire – September 20, 2008
- William “Bill” Hopkins – September 19, 2008
- Middle Fork blaze heads toward Crater Lake – September 19, 2008
- Rattle Fire keeps highway 138 closed for weekend – September 12, 2008
- Hiking trails closed down by wildfire – September 11, 2008
- Family fun day planned at Crater Lake – September 11, 2008
- King of Jordan, ‘Lost’ actor among celebrities at Crater Lake – September 3, 2008
- Remembering Emil, the forgotten Britt: his life was spent in the shadow of his father’s fame – August 24, 2008
- Meissner, Shelton take Crater Lake run – August 10, 2008
- The road to Crater Lake – July 27, 2008
- Crater Lake swimming chilly – July 16, 2008
- Exploring the “Other Half” of Our National Parks: Stargazing Under Protected Dark Skies – June 14, 2008
- Wildfire filling sky with smoke: Fire near Crater Lake is 1,700 acres – September 10, 2008
- Crater Lake: Taking the Plunge – September 4, 2008
- Garfield Peak trail guide – August 28, 2008
- Garfield Peak offers new vantage point to Crater Lake – August 28, 2008
- Crater Lake National Park: Trees, wildflowers, dazzling views on trail to Crater Peak – August 14, 2008
- Plenty of backcountry solitude – August 14, 2008
- Crater Lake boat tours to resume – August 13, 2008
- Crater Lake needs volunteers – August 11, 2008
- Locals Impress: Area runners win 2 short runs – August 10, 2008
- Meissner, Shelton win Crater Lake marathons – August 10, 2008
- Mazama Village to be back to normal – July 23, 2008
- Fire Contained at Crater Lake – July 22, 2008
- 50 spots remain for Crater Lake Rim Runs – July 20, 2008
- Crater Lake; Rim Drive opens today – July 11, 2008
- Crater Lake Rim Run spots going – June 24, 2008
- Crater Lake north entrance opened, but caution urged – June 21, 2008
- Many Crater Lake services open, despite snow – June 10, 2008
- A Tribute to Steve Robinson – Spring, 2008
- Crater Lake’s new boss fulfills a lifelong dream – May 04, 2008
- A Look back at history: Programs focus on history of Southern Oregon – April 25, 2008
- Crater lake has new superintendent: Craig Ackerman will move from the Oregon Caves National Monument – March 5, 2008
- Oregon law could nix proposed water agreement – March 5, 2008
- Crater Lake contaminated, new study suggests – February 28, 2008
- Airborne Contaminants Found in Western U.S. and Alaskan National Parks – February 28, 2008
- Airborne Contaminants Study Released Measurable Levels Detected in Twenty Western National Parks – February 26, 2008
- What to do: Crater Lake rangers guide free hikes – February 23, 2008
- Crater Lake story will air – February 9, 2008
- Park rangers undaunted by weather – February 8, 2008
- TV crew makes trek to Crater Lake’s rim – February 8, 2008
- ODOT worker hurt when tree crushes pickup truck – February 4, 2008
- TV crew headed to Crater Lake – February 6, 2008
- Park Ranger Ken Hay Retires – January 28, 2008
- Crater Lake offers 90-minute winter tours: Park rangers lead free treks in park on Saturdays – January 24, 2008
- Laurels go to retired Crater Lake official: Dinner given for former park superintendent Chuck Lundy – January 21, 2008
