C.O. crews monitor two small wildfires

(Update: More details)

While Central Oregon crews continue to watch for smoke from ” sleeper ” fires in the wake of recent lightning, two small fires are being monitored, rather than extinguished, officials said Monday.

The Ikt Fire, about six miles southeast of Lava River Cave, has burned about six acres six miles southeast of Lava River Cave.

” The fire is burning in lava flows and is being monitored to meet ecological objectives, ” officials said in a tweeted update. They later said crews ” will suppress the fire if it becomes necessary. ”

Smoke from the fire could be visible from Highway 97. Officials said Monday

Meanwhile, the more than week-old Pacific Fire, spotted Aug. 28 in the Mount Washington Wilderness, has grown to about an acre in size as it continues to creep and smolder in needle litter. It’s also being monitored to ” meet ecological objectives, ” officials said.

No trail closures are in place, and while smoke may be visible, officials said there have been no smoke impacts to communities in the area.

” If growth on the fire exceeds the ecological condition objectives, additional firefighters are on-hand to suppress the fire as needed, ” officials said.​​​​​​​

Crew members from the Sister Ranger District’s Metolius Wildland Fire Module hiked into the fire Saturday and observed that light precipitation and cool weather have slowed the rate of fire spread, officials said. ​​​​​​​