New wildfire NE of Sprague River in Klamath County burns 1,200 acres; homes threatened, Level 3 evacuations

SPRAGUE RIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new wind-driven wildfire was reported Sunday afternoon about three miles northeast of the Klamath County town of Sprague River and had grown to an estimated 1,200 acres late in the day, threatening homes and prompting an evacuation.

About 20 to 30 structures were threatened by the Knot Fire, reported shortly before 3:30 p.m. burning near Walla Walla Road and Kootenai Street, the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership said.

Numerous resources were on scene, with more on order.

A Level 3 GO NOW evacuation order was issued for the Oregon Pines area by Klamath County Emergency Management.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, although thunderstorms were peppering much of the state with lightning strikes Sunday afternoon and evening.