News Release Archive

Upper Klamath Lake water helps fight Spence Fire

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: July 17, 2020

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry are coordinating to help contain the spread of the Spence Fire, including the use of small quantities of water from Upper Klamath Lake for two Oregon Department of Forestry helicopter crews.

“Providing water for the protection and safety of private, county and state forestlands and nearby communities is critical,” said Deputy Regional Director Jeff Payne. “Wildland fire agencies are authorized under public law to use water from nearby reservoirs to fight fires. The very small amount of water being used to fight the fire does not result in significant impacts to the Klamath Project’s water users’ current or future needs.”

The wildfire started on Spence Mountain on July 15 and has burned 80 acres. Over 150 people are working through a unified command structure that is using crews from multiple agencies to build and hold existing lines around this fire.

Learn the latest Spence Fire information by viewing the Lakeview Interagency Fire Center’s website at https://scofmp.org/

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.