Klamath-Area Residents Fear New Wildfire Risks Despite Prevention, Mitigation Efforts

Firefighters adapt to loss of reservoirs, but critics say poor forest management practices and too many trees remain a serious threat.

Firefighters work on extinguishing the Coastal Fire in Laguna Niguel, Calif., on May 11, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

SISKIYOU COUNTY, Calif.—The removal of four dams and the loss of three reservoirs on the Klamath River, which flows through Oregon and Northern California, have increased wildfire risks, some local residents say.

But while firefighting plans have changed to account for the absence of the Copco and Iron Gate lakes and the John C. Boyle dam reservoirs, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) says that won’t hamper firefighting efforts in the region.