Incident Commander Lex Romine at Little Yamsay Fire briefing - May 9, 2024

Incident Commander Lex Romine addresses firefighters during morning briefing at the Little Yamsay Fire May 9, 2024.
Little Yamsay Fire Update- May 9, 2024
Fire Information: 971-978-7899
Email: [e-mail]
Size: 2,200 acres Location: 15 miles southeast of Chemult, OR near Klamath Marsh
Start Date: Detected April 20, 2024 Cause: Lightning Total Personnel: 108
Crews: 3 Engines: 5 Heavy Equipment: 4 Water Tenders: 2
After five days of cooler weather, warmer temperatures and drier fuels allowed firefighters to resume firing operations in phase two and phase three during Wednesday’s operational shift. Hotshots utilized drip torches to establish fire along Forest Rd. 4975, effectively creating a buffer along the southeast edge of the fire perimeter while other crews continued with road preparation to the west.
Thursday, firefighters will work to complete phase two and continue firing in phase three. This will be accomplished with use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to drop plastic sphere incendiary devices that ignite within the fire perimeter. The utilization of UAS allows for safer and more efficient firing operations within the interior.
The goal is to promote low-intensity fire activity to reduce fuel loading, mimicking a regime of natural fire that promotes forest health and enhances the biodiversity within the forest ecosystem. With the reduction of “ladder fuels” that can allow fire to travel into the canopy, the Little Yamsay fire footprint will break up the continuity of fuels to provide a substantial buffer that will protect against a catastrophic wildfire during the heat of the summer, and give firefighters an area to stop a wildfire that could become large and destructive.
So far, the type three incident management team has completed 2,200 acres of treatment in a three-phase sequence, and over the next few days looks to complete an additional 3,500 acres. Combined with the footprint from the 2023 Dillon Creek Fire, the area will have 10,000 acres of forest containing reduced ladder fuels, less surface fuels, widely spaced legacy pines, and enhanced biodiversity.
There are no closures or evacuations for the Little Yamsay Fire. Residents and visitors traveling to the area are encouraged to drive responsibly as emergency firefighter vehicles will be present. Expect delays as traffic control may be implemented due to smoke and/or hazards.
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