It's not over

Sisters--8:30 a.m. July 29-- The Cache Fire that has destroyed two houses at Black Butte Ranch is still a threat, despite "lying down" over night.

The forecast on Monday is for hot and dry 86 degree temperatures and 20 percent humidity, according to the Forest Service. Winds were expected to be 10 to 15 miles per hour later in the afternoon.

These conditions are very similar to those on Sunday when the fire exploded past lines and into Black Butte Ranch.

The Forest Service expects the fire to spread east and southeast, especially with the increase in afternoon winds.

Single trees and small groups of trees will torch actively in the early afternoon and this may transition into short "crown fire" runs, according to the Forest Service.

A "crown fire run" is where the flames spread through the crown, or tops of trees, driven by the wind.

According to Black Butte Police Chief Gil Zaccaro, the two homes that burned were Golf Homes 96 and 97, both on Fiddleneck.

Zaccaro said that all other homes not on Fiddleneck are currently safe.

"Fire security is very good. Where the main fire was, you probably have a fire engine for every two houses and there are hoses everywhere," Zaccaro said.

There are many fire hydrants at Black Butte Ranch, and water is plentiful to fight the flames.

The fire was "lined" at the perimeter of the Ranch and burned out for one "chain" within that line. A "chain" is about 66 feet.

However, Zaccaro also said "when I left (the Ranch) about 2 a.m. there were literally hundreds of spot fires in that same northwest area."

The Forest Service said that fire crews needed to be prepared for another threat with the fire spotting ahead or direct ground fire advancement.

A fire "spots" when burning embers are carried forward by the wind, starting a new spot of fire ahead of the main blaze.

According to Cass Cairns, Fire Information Officer, "The main objective for the day is to hold the line and mop up."

Governor Kitzhaber ws expected to come in for a briefing at 10:30 and then fly over the fire, then hold a press conference.