Lightning fire discovered today on Chemult Ranger District

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Wildland firefighters responded to the Doe Fire today on the Fremont-Winema National Forest’s Chemult Ranger District. The fire was discovered around mid-morning and was sparked by lightning from recent storms.  It is burning on the south side of Silver Lake Highway near milepost 26.

Firefighters made excellent progress today.  The fire is approximately 150 acres and is expected to be fully lined and contained later tonight.

The fire is burning in the recently completed Yota Timber Sale on the Red Knight Project.  Fire behavior today was moderate spread with isolated group torching and wind-driven spot fires up to a quarter-mile.  The recent restoration work in the area may have helped reduce fire intensity.

Resources today were from the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry and included 7 engines, 2 dozers, and other resources.  Tomorrow 3 engines, the Winema Hotshots and a 10-person handcrew from Lakeview will be working on the Doe Fire.

Weather will be a factor overnight and tomorrow, particularly winds, precipitation, and the possibility for additional lightning.

While the fire is burning in a fairly remote area and cloud cover from storms is making the fire less visible from a distance, those traveling in the area should be aware of increased firefighter traffic throughout the weekend and possible smoke.

With additional lightning in the forecast this weekend, it is expected that more fires may be discovered as conditions dry out.  To report a suspected wildfire, please call 911.

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.