Single Publication

Little Yamsay Fire Update- May 10, 2024  

Fire Information: 971-978-7899 

Email: 2024.littleyamsay@firenet.gov 

Size: 3,200 acres  Location: 15 miles southeast of Chemult, OR near Klamath Marsh 

Start Date: Detected April 20, 2024  Cause: Lightning  Total Personnel: 106 

Crews: 3  Engines: 5  Heavy Equipment: 3  Water Tenders: 3 

Smoke was widespread Thursday and may be visible from highway 97 and surrounding communities for the next several days until all firing operations are complete sometime into next week. While the smoke output does appear thick in areas, firing operations on the Little Yamsay Fire remain at a low intensity. Lingering smoke may settle into the valleys at night and into the morning. 

One of the primary objectives from fire managers is to reduce fuel loading that could contribute to a catastrophic wildfire in summer months. Systematic firing operations that remove hazardous fuel loading in the spring may produce air quality impacts for a limited time. However, these efforts can prevent months of wildfire smoke from a large, destructive incident later in the summer. 

Phase two of firing operations was successfully completed on the Little Yamsay Fire during Thursday’s operations, with firefighters continuing work on phase three. Working along existing roadways, crews were able to establish a solid buffer along the south edge of the fire, and promote consumption of ground and ladder fuels in the interior with unmanned aerial systems (UAS). 

Friday, crews will work to secure and hold Thursday’s firing operation. Ensuring that the fire remains within control lines is the incident management team’s highest priority, with crews performing a thorough job checking roadways for lingering heat and extinguishing any burning material close to the perimeter.  

Warmer weather and drier fuels are anticipated on Friday. The advancement of firing in phase three will commence as long as these weather conditions will allow fire activity to meet the objective of remaining at a low intensity. 

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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