Source: Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center
Firefighters from the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry and Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District responded quickly to a wildfire that started three miles southwest of Sisters on Tuesday afternoon. The fire grew to 11 acres before crews were able to stop its progress, and was 50 percent contained by Tuesday night.
Fire investigators discovered evidence pointing to the use of fireworks in a dispersed camping area as the cause. No suspects have been identified at this time, and anyone with information should call the Sisters Ranger District.
This incident scene is currently staffed with five engines, three hand crews, and two dozers. Crews also received assistance during the day from two helicopters and one load of retardant from an air tanker. The fire is burning in ponderosa pine/shrub vegetation in an area just west of the Rooster Rock Fire that burned over 6,000 acres last year.
Fireworks are always illegal on federal public lands and state parks, even on the 4th of July, and people found using or possessing fireworks on public lands can receive a fine and can be held responsible for fire suppression and rehabilitation costs in the event that fireworks use causes a wildfire.
With conditions warming on the High Desert, fire officials want to take this time to remind visitors and residents of Central Oregon to be careful with fire. Vegetation is drying quickly, and the lighter fuels like grass and shrubs can be very receptive to an ignition source. Everyone should make sure to extinguish cigarettes inside vehicles and be sure campfires are “dead out” before leaving a site.