Fire first reported Thursday has burned 2,500 acres 

By TY BEAVER 

H&N Staff Reporter

October 16, 2010

     Wildland firefighters are fighting a blaze that has burned about 2,500 acres on the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and Fremont-Winema National Forests.

   The Hay Fire was first reported at 3 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release, and is burning south of Silver Lake Road. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

   Officials say the unexplained fire will ultimately benefit the area.

   The public is encouraged to be cautious when driving on Silver Lake Road around the Wocus Bay junction because of smoke and traffic from fire suppression efforts.

   A number of prescribed burns had been planned in the area, but were put off because resources were dedicated to the Hay Fire.

   Mike Johnson, manager of the marsh refuge, and Erica Hupp, spokesman for the Fremont-Winema, said the fire would actually improve the area by burning decadent vegetation to the benefit of the numerous bird species that rely on the marsh.

   “It’s something they weren’t planning on burning but it will help the habitat,” Hupp said.

   Hupp said she wasn’t sure how much of the fire was contained as of late Friday morning, but said it had become a slower burning, creeping fire. Cooler temperatures through the weekend are expected to help firefighting efforts.