Klamath County Fire District 1 Fire Season Declaration & Burn Closure Notice (Photo) - 05/22/26

Effective May 22, 2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) will enforce a closure on all open burning within District boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions.

This closure applies to all areas within KCFD1’s jurisdiction, including the City of Klamath Falls and surrounding suburban and rural areas of the District.

Residents may view a detailed map of KCFD1 response areas by visiting:
https://kcfd1.com/fire-stations

Burn Closure Restrictions

The burn closure includes the following activities:

• All backyard and open debris burning, including branches, leaves, yard debris, and vegetation.
• Agricultural and commercial burning operations without a specifically approved non-typical burn permit issued by KCFD1.
• Land clearing, slash, waste, and debris burning operations.

Activities Allowed During the Burn Closure

The following activities are permitted during the closure period when conducted safely and in accordance with all applicable regulations:

Barbecues and Cooking Appliances

• Barbecues and cooking appliances used for food preparation are permitted.

Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces & Manufactured Fire Pits

The following regulations apply to commercially manufactured outdoor fireplaces and fire pits:

• Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Appliances must be commercially manufactured and operated according to manufacturer instructions.
• A safety screen is required.
• Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
• Fires shall not be operated within 15 feet of structures or combustible materials.
• Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.

In-Ground Recreational Fire Pits

The following requirements apply to in-ground recreational fire pits:

• Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
• Maximum fire size shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet from structures or combustible materials.
• Safety screens are strongly encouraged and recommended.
• Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.

KCFD1 reminds the public that outdoor fires in violation of this closure may be immediately extinguished by fire personnel.

Additionally, pursuant to Oregon law (ORS 478.965), any person responsible for a fire started or allowed to spread in willful violation of this burn closure may be held financially responsible for all associated suppression costs, including firefighting response, patrol operations, equipment use, and applicable legal expenses.

Importance of Safety Screens

One of the leading causes of escaped outdoor fires is embers or burning material being carried by the wind into nearby combustible vegetation or structures. Safety screens play a critical role in reducing this risk by containing embers and airborne burning debris.

Outdoor ambiance or warming fires may still be enjoyed with a screen in place. When cooking over an outdoor fire, the screen may be temporarily removed during cooking and immediately replaced afterward to help control sparks and embers.

As temperatures rise and vegetation continues to dry, even small fires can spread rapidly and threaten homes, property, and lives. KCFD1 asks all residents and visitors to remain vigilant, exercise caution with outdoor activities, and help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires throughout the community.

The public will be notified when burn restrictions are modified or lifted.

For additional information and updates, please visit:
https://kcfd1.com

Quick Actions By Klamath County Fire District 1 Firefighters Prevent Major Spread During Residential Fire On California Avenue (Photo) - 05/15/26

At approximately 2:15 PM, Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to a reported residential structure fire in the 800 block of California Avenue in Klamath Falls.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from a single-family residence with rapidly extending fire conditions threatening nearby structures. Crews immediately deployed hose lines, initiated coordinated fire suppression operations, and worked to contain the fire while protecting neighboring homes from further extension.

Through the quick actions and coordinated efforts of responding personnel, firefighters were successful in preventing the fire from fully engulfing an adjacent residence. The neighboring structure did sustain damage as a result of radiant heat and fire exposure; however, crews were able to significantly limit the spread and prevent additional loss within the surrounding area.

The primary residence sustained extensive fire and smoke damage. Fortunately, no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported during the incident.

Fire personnel remained on scene for an extended period conducting overhaul operations, extinguishing remaining hot spots, and ensuring the fire was fully contained.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Klamath County Fire District 1 in coordination with the Klamath Falls Police Department.

Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to thank all responding personnel and assisting agencies for their professionalism, dedication, and continued commitment to protecting life and property within our community.

Klamath County Fire District 1 Responds To Monday Morning Structure Fire (Photo) - 05/11/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KCFD1 Responds to Structure Fire on Arthur Street

Klamath County Fire District No. 1 (KCFD1) responded to a reported structure fire in the 1700 block of Arthur Street earlier today involving an abandoned residential structure.

A total of four engines, two ambulances, one Battalion Chief, and one Duty Officer responded to the incident. Klamath Falls Police Department and Klamath County Sheriff’s Office also assisted on scene.

Fire crews arrived to find smoke and fire coming from the vacant residence. Initial observations indicate the fire appeared to have started on the covered porch before extending into the attic space, causing extensive damage to the structure.

KCFD1 crews performed a rapid and coordinated fire attack, quickly locating the seat of the fire and preventing extension to neighboring homes and properties. Their aggressive interior operations and efficient scene coordination allowed the fire to be brought under control in a timely manner despite challenging conditions within the abandoned structure.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. KCFD1 would like to thank the eyewitnesses who noticed the fire and immediately called 911, allowing crews to respond quickly and limit further spread.

KCFD1 also reminds the public that abandoned buildings can present significant safety hazards and encourages residents to report suspicious activity around vacant properties.

Klamath County Fire District 1 Responds To Two-Story Residential Structure Fire On Auburn Street (Photo) - 05/01/26

On 04/30/2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to multiple reports of a structure fire in the 1900 block of Auburn Street in Klamath Falls, OR. The first unit arrived on scene approximately 4 minutes after dispatch to find a two-story single-family residence with heavy fire involvement in the rear of the structure extending into the second floor living space. Crews initiated aggressive interior fire attack operations to search for potential victims while simultaneously working to control and extinguish the fire.

Klamath County Fire District 1 responded with a total of 19 personnel, including four engines, one ambulance, and two command staff. A Deputy Fire Marshal from the office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal also responded to assist with origin and cause determination. 

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Klamath County Fire District 1 would also like to remind the public to ensure smoke detectors are installed, functioning properly, and tested regularly.