O’Brien, Ore. ? Fire isn’t the only thing threatening fragile forests this summer firefighting itself can threaten endangered plants, or spread plant diseases.

The Lemmingsworth Gulch Research Natural Area would be a wonderful place to cut a fire line to block a huge blaze in southwestern Oregon it’s wet and flat, without many trees. But when fire officials suggested doing that through the 818-acre site, Forest Service ecologist Tom Atzet urged them to look elsewhere.

The federally designated area contains at least three sensitive plant species, including the fly-eating Cobra lily.

“That research area has a particular combination of (plants) that are not repeated in any other area,” Atzet said.

The fire had not reached the gulch by Tuesday.

After the 377,000-acre fire is out, ecologists will assess damage to the forest caused by fire crews or heavy machinery. Atzet said there is always concern about whether exotic species have been accidentally introduced to a new ecosystem.

A top concern here is a fungus-like pathogen that spreads through soil and water and is fatal to Port Orford cedars, which grow along the coast from northern California into southern Oregon.

Spores from the disease have been identified in four rivers key to firefighting efforts.

Before water from the rivers can be used for helicopter drops, it must be pumped into 10,000-gallon tanks to be mixed with Ultra Clorox to kill the spores. All firefighting vehicles also must be washed daily to remove dirt that could contain spores.

Fire could actually help Cobra lilies in places like the Lemmingsworth Gulch.

“They’re somewhat dependent on frequent fire that is intense enough to run through the bogs and take care of their competition,” Atzet said.

“Every disturbance has its own footprint, has its own winners and losers.”