News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sisters -- 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 -- As firefighters work to get the upper hand on the Cache Mountain fire, Black Butte Ranch officials are targeting a 3 p.m. re-opening of the Ranch on Wednesday, July 31.
Any re-opening is contingent upon the fire remaining quiet tonight and tomorrow morning. Residents got that word at a community meeting at Sisters Elementary School Tuesday evening.
Residents were asked to meet again at Sisters Elementary School at noon on Wednesday to receive the word on whether the re-opening will proceed.
When the re-opening occurs, it will be for the entire Ranch, including Golf Homes and Spring Homes, according to Police Chief Gil Zaccaro. That is because mop up operations have proceeded more quickly than hoped for in those fire-affected areas.
Only residents, property owners, guests and renters will be allowed past security gates, though the common areas will be opened to the public.
Incident Commander Bob Sandman gave a positive update on the fire. Despite heavier winds, firefighters maintained their lines and pounded hot spots with water drops from helicopters.
"We get to 9 p.m. (Tuesday), I think we've got it," Sandman said.
Sandman recounted the firestorm of Sunday, July 29, which consumed two homes.
"This was probably one of the most intense firefights I've been in in my career."
Residents offered the fire management team a standing ovation for their efforts.
Highway 20 is open with speed, parking and stopping restrictions in place.
Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman David Neys said the travel advisories advising alternate routes will probably be lifted on Wednesday.
"We understand the impact (on businesses) when we restrict the highway," he said. "We understand that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible."
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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