In an unusual exercise, U.S. Forest Service crews are not fighting a lightning-strike fire high in the Sierra.

The Long fire was ignited Sept. 12 at about 7,000 feet, south of Highway 50 not far from Strawberry.

Because of rain that accompanied the lightning, the fire wasn't spotted for about a week, at which time it was still burning slowly.

"The Forest Service decided to kind of let it burn some," said Bob Ramirez, an information officer.

There is no risk to life, safety or property, officials said. Moreover, it achieves some forest management goals.

The low, relatively cool fire burns undergrowth, which helps with future fire suppression by eliminating fuel and providing a potential base for fighting fires in other areas.

In addition, Ramirez said, it will allow growth of plants more suitable for deer forage, and reduce competition with tree growth.

Four fire crews are managing the fire, including some burns that help keep the fire from getting out of control.

"We're burning little strips at a time," Ramirez said.

So far, 275 acres have burned and the Forest Service has drawn a line to keep it from going beyond 700 acres.

However, it may never get that big because of anticipated showers by the weekend, Ramirez said.

Allowing the fire to burn is somewhat controversial.

"People get pretty upset about it," said Ramirez.

In addition to concerns about the fire getting out of control, some people object to the smoke. Smoke is visible in Strawberry and Kyburz, and Strawberry Lodge owner Michael Hicks said the Forest Service has come through repeatedly to tell people what's going on.

"I'm getting lots of questions," Hicks said.

The managed burn, Ramirez said, is unlikely to harm wildlife or cause future erosion. "It burns so slowly they have notice to move out," he said.

Also, the fire is not hot enough to bake the ground in the fashion that causes heavy runoff during rains.

Some roads in the area are closed during the fire management. They are Choke Cherry Road, Middle Long Canyon Road, Rocky Road, East Bald Mountain Road and Packsaddle Pass Road.

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