KCFD1 Crews Quickly Contain Clinton Avenue Structure Fire (Photo) - 10/12/26

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — October 11, 2026 — Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) responded to a structure fire on Clinton Avenue in Klamath Falls on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Fire crews arrived on scene approximately four minutes after dispatch and immediately initiated an aggressive offensive fire attack. The quick response and coordinated efforts of firefighters successfully contained the majority of the fire damage to the garage, with limited extension into the attic space.

A total of 14 emergency responders, operating with four fire engines and two command vehicles, responded to the incident. Their rapid actions helped prevent further fire spread into the residence, significantly reducing the potential for additional property damage.

No injuries to occupants or responding firefighters were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Klamath County Fire District 1 remains committed to providing prompt, professional emergency services to protect the lives and property of the community we serve.

Klamath County Fire District 1 Announces Completion Of Station 1 Improvement Project (Photo) - 10/07/26

Klamath County Fire District 1 is excited to announce the completion of the Station 1 improvement project, a significant investment in one of the District’s longest-serving facilities.

The approximately $300,000 project included a new exterior façade, increased apparatus bay door openings and new bay doors, a new concrete apparatus apron, and improved drainage. The project replaced original apparatus bay doors dating back to the 1930s and an asphalt apron that had been in service for approximately 40-50 years. The existing bay openings lacked the height and size necessary to safely accommodate modern fire and EMS apparatus, making the improvements an important operational need for the station.

Station 1 is staffed daily by five personnel and houses a fire engine, ambulance, wildland apparatus, and reserve fire engine. In 2025, Station 1 responded to 2,980 emergency incidents, highlighting the important role the station plays in the District’s emergency response system.

The District planned and saved for the project over multiple fiscal years, allowing these significant improvements to be completed through a deliberate, long-term approach to capital planning.

“This project reflects our commitment to maintaining our facilities while being responsible with the resources entrusted to us by the community,” said Fire Chief Brent Knutson. “We are excited to see the project completed and Station 1 positioned to continue serving our community for many years to come.”

The improvements build upon the remodel and seismic upgrades completed at Station 1 in 2021. At the time of that project, the District did not have sufficient funding to complete the remaining exterior, bay door, apron, and drainage improvements. By setting aside funds over subsequent fiscal years, the District was able to complete these remaining projects and finish the planned improvements to Station 1.

Two Escaped Fires In One Afternoon: KCFD1 Warns Fall Fire Danger Is Not Over (Photo) - 10/06/26

Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) responded to two escaped fires on October 5, 2026, highlighting that despite cooler fall conditions, grass and brush throughout the Klamath Basin remain extremely dry and capable of carrying fire rapidly.

At approximately 12:40 p.m., KCFD1 was dispatched to an escaped backyard fire in the 200 block of Michigan Avenue. Due to the fire’s location within a residential neighborhood and a large column of smoke visible from the area, the on-duty Battalion Chief upgraded the incident to a structural response.

The fire spread through open yard areas and damaged fencing on neighboring properties. Access to portions of the fire was difficult due to the residential setting. KCFD1 crews worked quickly to contain the fire and prevent further spread to surrounding properties and structures.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., KCFD1 crews had just cleared the Michigan Avenue incident and had not yet returned to quarters when they were dispatched to a second brush fire along Highway 97 South, south of the Main Street exit near the Wing Watchers Trail.

The fire was burning in dry grass and brush and was rapidly expanding as winds pushed the fire south. Access was challenging due to the fire’s location along the northbound side of Highway 97 between the highway and Lake Ewauna.

KCFD1 crews, with assistance from neighboring fire departments and agencies, including Kingsley Field Fire Department, Klamath County Fire District 4, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, were able to stop the fire’s advancement and bring the incident under control.

Crews remained on scene for approximately two and a half hours establishing fire lines, completing mop-up operations, and checking the burned area to ensure hot spots were extinguished and the fire would not rekindle.

These incidents serve as an important reminder that fall does not mean fire danger has ended. Grass, brush, and other vegetation remain extremely dry. Even light winds can cause an escaped fire to spread quickly and threaten nearby homes, property, roadways, and natural areas.

KCFD1 asks residents to remain cautious with any activity that could produce sparks, flames, or heat near dry vegetation. Never leave an outdoor fire unattended, maintain adequate extinguishing equipment nearby, and make sure all fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to recognize the outstanding work of its firefighters and thank the neighboring fire departments and agencies that provided assistance during these incidents. Their coordinated response helped prevent additional property damage and further fire spread.