Crews tackle 2 small Central Oregon wildfires

Firefighters were called in to douse two small wildfires in Central Oregon Saturday, the largest about an acre in size in Crook County and a smaller one in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.

The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center in Prineville reported the fire burning north of the Ochoco Reservoir was burning actively but was 50 percent contained by early evening and fully contained later in the day. It was spotted by a fire lookout around 4:30 p.m.

COIDC officials said there was initial concern over a few buildings that were uphill from the fire, but no evacuations were deemed necessary.

A second fire was burning 1 1/2 miles north of Devils Lake off the Cascade Lakes Highway. Dispatchers said the small fire was reported just after 1 p.m. Saturday and was about 1/10th of an acre. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A late-afternoon report said the fire was creeping on the ground at the edge of timber near Moraine Lake. The fire was displaying minimal activity, they said, and has low potential to spread, due to being surrounded by natural barriers.

They said fire personnel will monitor the fire overnight and it will remain in monitor status until it goes out on its own.

Signs will be posted at the South Sister Trailhead and on the trail at the fire location to make the public aware.

Fire officials want to remind those visiting and recreating in Central Oregon to be careful with fire. With the recent hot weather, forest and range fuels in the region have dried out quickly. Please ensure that campfires are completely extinguished and ‘out cold’ before leaving the site, they asked.