BONANZA, OR – The Elk Fire continues to burn actively on both private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Fremont-Winema National Forest lands, located approximately eight miles north of Bonanza, Oregon.
As of this evening, the fire is estimated at 1,000 acres with 0% containment and is continuing to spread in a northeast direction.
Moderate fire behavior was observed throughout the day, including group torching and spotting up to a quarter mile ahead of the main fire line. Although fire activity was steady during the daytime, terrain-driven winds and late-afternoon gusts created challenging conditions for firefighters. Crews focused their efforts on securing existing dozer lines and reinforcing handlines on the fire’s west side.
A transfer of command to the ODF Incident Management Team will take place at 6:00 AM on Thursday, July 10. The Governor has invoked the Oregon Conflagration Act, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Team Red will assume unified command with ODF. OSFM is deploying five task forces to support ongoing suppression efforts.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is overseeing evacuation efforts in the affected areas. Residents are urged to stay alert and monitor official sources for updates. For real-time evacuation information, please visit:
https://protect.genasys.com/search
An American Red Cross shelter is open at:
Living Springs Church
31897 Mission Street
Bonanza, OR 97623
A fiber optic line damaged by the fire is currently being repaired. Service is expected to be restored later tonight or by tomorrow.