The 2002 fire season has come to the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges with four fires at Klamath Marsh Refuge and one fire on the adjacent Winema National Forest.
On Friday July 12, 2002 from approximately 5 pm until midnight Klamath National Wildlife Refuges Engine 81 and crews from the US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry fought these fires. The Mallard Fire, the largest at .8 tenths of an acre, was located at the north end of the refuge in the Three Creeks area. The fire was burning in a timbered area along the base of a hill which meant there could have been potential for the fire to grow larger. Supported by a Klamath Falls based air tanker that dropped two loads of retardant the fire was quickly brought under control.
The Patty Fire, .3 tenths of an acre, consumed Bulrush and marsh grass in the heart of Klamath Marsh. The fire fighters were aided by "Mother Nature" in the form of rain to put this one out.
The other two fires were the Owen and Military Fires. Both of these fires were approximately .1 tenth of an acre.
The Wild horse Fire, .3 tenths of an acre, on the Winema National Forest bordering the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Klamath
