Lightning-sparked blaze SE of Chemult allowed to burn – and expanded, along with two nearby prescribed burns

CHEMULT, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In an unusual sequence of events, a recent lightning-sparked fire southeast of Chemult in Klamath County is not only being allowed to burn, but expanded along with two prescribed burns in the area to mimic historic low-intensity fires, Fremont-Winema National Forest officials said Wednesday.

About 100 personnel are working on the Little Sycam Fire, detected on April 20 about 15 miles southeast of Chemult. Officials said they are using the fire “as an opportunity to responsibly and systematically expand the footprint of this naturally ignited wildfire to mimic a historical low-intensity fire,” according to a Facebook update Wednesday by the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.

They cited benefits including enhancing meadows, minimizing the spread of insects and disease, and protecting communities. With firing operations in ideal spring burning conditions, the fire had grown to 240 acres by Wednesday.

Two nearby coordinated prescribed fires, J-Lo and North II, also are being used to promote forest health and fuels reduction near the Klamath Marsh.

The three smoke columns were visible from Highway 97 and the Chiloquin area, and officials said the smoke might impact the Chiloquin, Chemult and Klamath Falls areas. No closures or evacuations were associated with the blazes, bure residents and visitors were urged to stay out of the area and watch for emergency vehicles.