BLY, Ore. – This weekend firefighters made great progress on the Dairy Fire, completing ignitions. The fire is 107 acres, with no further growth is expected. Mop-up activities are continuing today. Work is also continuing on strengthening lines around private land.

The Dairy Fire is a lightning fire discovered yesterday on the Bly Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest southwest of the junction of Forest Road 34 and Forest Road 3372, approximately 1 mile east of the Gearhart Wilderness.

Weather conditions were favorable for smoke dispersal last night, with minimal smoke today. However there may be smoke impacts to the Dairy and Happy Camp Campgrounds north of the fire, as well as along Forest Road 34 and in the Gearhart Wilderness.

The fire is burning in primarily pine forest with a mixed conifer understory. There was also recent logging activity in the area.

Conditions following the discovery of the lightning-caused wildfire have been ideal to expand the fire area for additional fuel reduction and forest restoration treatment.

“The Dairy Fire has provided an excellent opportunity to work with natural fire on the landscape and strategically expanding it to meet land and resource management objectives, including reintroducing healthy fire to the forest,” said Silver Lake and Paisley District Ranger Doug McKay, who is also serving as agency administrator on the fire for the Bly Ranger District.

Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority. Forest managers are working with partners and nearby landowners on this fire.

“We appreciate the cooperation, positive communication and support of our partners and neighboring landowners while we work with the Dairy Fire,” McKay said. “This is helping us restore our forest landscape and treat areas that will help us with wildfire response during the peak of fire season, which benefits not only the Forest, but our neighbors and communities as well.”

As the weather continues to dry out, firefighters are prepared to address any wildfires discovered in the coming weeks.

Area residents and visitors can report suspected wildfires by calling the Lakeview Interagency Fire Center at 541-947-6315.

Forest visitors are asked to be careful with fire and anything that can throw a spark. Campfires should never be left unattended and should be dead out before leaving. This means drowned with water, stirred and be cold to the touch with no warm spots.

For more information on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema, follow the Forest on Twitter @FremontWinemaNF or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/R6FWNF.

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Dairy Fire Details

Cause: Lightning

Size: 107 Acres

Location: 1 Mile ease of the Gearhart Wilderness

Resources: 8 Engines, 1 Hotshot Crew, 1 Dozer

Fuel: Pine forest, mixed conifer understory