Fire ignites in forest west of Sisters

A helicopter circles for a water pickup at Sisters Airport.

A towering column of smoke rose into the sky late Saturday afternoon, July 5, as a fire ignited in the forest west of Sisters.

The Link Fire, measured at 200-acres was burning on the Deschutes National Forest two miles south of Suttle Lake and five miles northwest of Black Butte Ranch.

The fire is burning in mixed conifer and beetle-killed lodge pole pine. Firefighters were battling spot fires thrown out from the main body of the blaze.

There was a precautionary evacuation of approximately 200 campers at Camp Tamarack during the late afternoon. Contrary to initial reports, there was no precautionary evacuation at Suttle Lake Campground. The fire posed no immediate threat to Black Butte Ranch or Camp Sherman.

The cause was still under investigation Saturday night.

As of Saturday night there were three air tankers, 11 engines, five 20-person crews and two bulldozers fighting the fire. Three more crews, two bulldozers and the Blue Mountain Incident Management Team were called up Saturday.

The team will take over management of the fire Sunday, June 6 at noon.

The fire was reported Saturday at 4:27 p.m. by the Greenridge Lookout.

Fire officials reminded the public that the conditions in the forest are tinder dry. All forest users are advised to be careful with fire.

Before going into the forest for recreation, call a local fire agency to find out if campfires are allowed, as well as other fire restrictions.