Little Yamsay Fire - Heavy Fuels Burning

Little Yamsay Fire Update
May 4, 2024
Fire Information: 971-978-9558
Email: [email protected]

Size: 2,009 acres Location: 15 miles southeast of Chemult, OR near Klamath Marsh
Start Date: Detected April 20, 2024 Cause: Lightning Total Personnel: 120
Crews: 3 Engines: 5 Heavy Equipment: 8 Water Tenders: 4

A combination of optimal weather, dry fuels, and skilled resources aligned Friday leading to a productive day where firing operations treated an additional 1,350 acres. The fire consumed needle cast, brush, and dead and downed logs while torching out small-diameter conifers. The footprint of the Little Yamsay Fire remains within established control lines.

During Friday’s operational shift, La Grande Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), assisted by aerial ignitions from an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) module, completed ignitions on the phase one and brought fire into phase three, treating more than 700 acres.

Baker River IHC, Union IHC, and an additional UAS module commenced firing operations on phase two. Baker River hand lit the east flank with drip torches and then worked their way north along roads, Union lit the south road system moving westward. The UAS module dropped incendiary devices, also known as dragon eggs, to burn the interior portion. An estimated 550 acres or half of phase two were treated.

Engine crews cooled down large-diameter pines and patrolled the roads to ensure no fire crossed the lines. Heavy equipment continued fuels reduction along Forest Road 49.

A cold front arrived Friday night and into Saturday morning bringing mixed snow and rain to the fire area. With the change in weather, firefighters will focus on preparing lines for firing operations in phases two and three as conditions allow.

There are no closures or evacuations for the Little Yamsay Fire. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay out of the fire area and reminded to drive carefully as emergency vehicles and smoke may be present on the local roads.

Social Media Links:
South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) Facebook:   / scofmpfireinfo  
SCOFMP YouTube Channel:    / @scofmpfireinformation6729  
Fremont-Winema National Forest Facebook:   / r6fwnf  
Fremont-Winema National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema/