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Klamath County Fire Destroys Homes, Forces Evacuations

SCOFMP

A wildfire in Klamath County burned down half a dozen homes and continues to threaten 100 more.

TheMoccasin Hill fire began burning Sunday afternoon (July 13) and has spread to 2500 acres.  The acreage figure is actually smaller than earlier reports, due to better mapping and reconnaissance.

The fire is burning on mostly private land under Oregon Department of Forestry protection, north of the community of Sprague River.

Fire agencies say the cause is under investigation.

South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership listed six homes and 14 outbuildings destroyed.

The Klamath County Sheriff's Department evacuated more than 100 people from Sprague River Drive and North Arrowhead Lane.  Red Cross set up emergency shelter at the Sprague River Community Center.

Evacuation orders remained in effect Tuesday, but had been downgraded.

As of midday Tuesday, the fire was 15% contained.

Geoffrey Riley is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has hosted the Jefferson Exchange on JPR since 2009. He's been a broadcaster in the Rogue Valley for more than 35 years, working in both television and radio.