KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon State Fire Marshal now says the Golden Fire, burning in Klamath County, has destroyed 46 homes and 69 "outbuildings." The agency released the updated numbers Thursday morning as crews continue to make damage assesments.
Most of the structures are believed to have been destroyed on July 22, the day the fire started, the OSFM reported earlier this week.
"Our hearts go out to the Bonanza community and those affected by the Golden Fire,” said Matt Howard, Oregon Department of Forestry Team 2 Incident Commander, in a news release. "We grieve with the community and your loss. Our goal on this fire has been, and will continue to be, to contain this fire to minimize its impact. Our job now is to fully suppress this fire so the recovery process can begin. That is our commitment to you."
The fire is located about 11 miles north the town of Bonanza. As of Thursday morning, it has burned about 2,137 acres and is 18% contained. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.
Hot weather and wind gusts of up to 20 mph contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Until around Tuesday, crews with the OSFM were unable to access the structures due to unsafe conditions.
Evacuation orders
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders are in place for the area east of Highway 140E, south of Polar Bear Lane and north of Keno Springs Road.
A portion of the Level 3 "Go Now" area was reduced to Level 2 "Be Ready" Tuesday morning. The downgraded area follows west of Bechdoldt Flat Road, south of Racoon Lane and Jaguar Lane. Level 2 evacuation warnings are in place on both sides of Highway 140 and Bly Mountain Cutoff Road, south of Ground Hog Lane to Keno Springs.
Level 1 "Be Ready" notices are in place for all residences west of 140 from Kodiak Lane to Goldfinch Drive.
The American Red Cross and the Klamath County Community Emergency Response Team have set up an evacuation shelter at Bonanza School located at 31601 Mission Street.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Golden Fire over the weekend. That allows the OSFM to free up local fire resources to help fight the fire.
"They really focus on structural protection. ODF, we're working on protecting the forest lands and there is areas in the middle where we cooperate and work together," said Al Devos, the lead information officer for the Golden Fire.
For the latest information on evacuations, call the Klamath County hotline at 541-205-9730 or sign up for county alerts online.
Fundraisers for people who lost their homes
Several GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up to help those who lost their homes in the fire. If you'd like to donate, the GoFundMe Trust & Safety Team has verified the following fundraisers:
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