Fire threatens homes near Sisters

A wildland fire behind the Sisters Rodeo grounds southeast of Sisters threatened several homes on Saturday, July 7, before an attack by an air tanker helped fire crews get the upper hand.

The fire near Trout Lane was spotted by fire lookouts at 4:54 p.m. The fire burned in grass and open pine and juniper stands and grew to about three acres before firefighters contained the blaze at about 7 p.m.

The land is under the protection of the Oregon Department of Forestry and lies within a quarter-mile of several rural homes. The blaze came within 200 yards of some residences.

"It was pretty touch and go for a while, but once the air tanker arrived we got a handle on containing the fire," said incident commander Wayne Rowe of ODF.

Four ODF engines responded to the blaze, along with two Forest Service engines and several units from Sisters and Cloverdale fire departments.

A five-person Forest Service crew cut fire lines and assisted with mop up efforts.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and 20 Search & Rescue personnel stood by to assist in an evacuation, which proved to be unnecessary. The Red Cross was prepared to provide emergency assistance.

The fire was a real danger to firefighters because there was only a single, narrow road into or out of the fire area, creating a risk of stranding personnel and equipment.

According to official reports, the fire was "human caused" and remains under investigation.