The Silver Creek Fire is a lightning caused fire that was discovered on July 14 on the Silver Lake Ranger District, Fremont-Winema National Forest one mile south of Thompson Reservoir. The fire is currently burning in ponderosa pine and needle cast with low fire behavior. With the recent moisture in the area this presented fire managers with an opportunity to use an indirect strategy to suppress the Silver Creek Fire which will reduce fuel loadings and in turn help improve rangeland forage in the area.
Crews will be going indirect by using existing roads and natural features to confine this naturally ignited wildfire. Afterward, crews will continue with a burnout operation to secure the fires edge. Much like a prescribed fire, this naturally caused fire will help reduce the dead and down fuel loading and improve wildlife habitat. Promoting long-term ecosystem integrity and sustainability by reducing the risk of high-severity wildland fires in the future.
Operations will start this evening and continue through the day tomorrow. When complete the fire is expected to have treated approximately ninety-five acres. Smoke may impact Thompson Reservoir but is expected to be short in duration.
Recreation sites in the area include Thompson Reservoir and East Bay Campground.
When safe to do so, fire personnel will manage naturally occurring wildfires to improve habitat and restore ecological balance to our wildlands.
Land managers regularly work with stakeholders to strategically select vegetation treatment areas. These treatments are proactive actions designed to protect communities and other values before a wildfire occurs.
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.
