Firefighters pushing for Link fire containment

The Link Fire west of Sisters is now 70 percent contained, according to fire officials.

The fire blazed furiously, however, on the northwest slope of Cache Mountain where fire officials said it moved through heavy fuels with some torching and short range spotting. The fire grew from expanded from 906 acres on Tuesday to 1,101 acres on Wednesday.

A towering column of dirty smoke rose late Wednesday afternoon, July 9, making some local residents worry that the fire had “blown up.”

However, fire officials said the firelines on the north continued to hold and firefighters are making progress in securing the eastern and southern flanks.

According to officials, fire managers hope to gain a strong foothold on the southwestern flank with hand and dozer lines. They may conduct burnout operations on Thursday to rob the fire of fuel if conditions remain favorable.

Crews will continue mopping up on the north, east and southeast edges of the fire.

There are 23 crews working the fire, including seven hotshot crews. Five helicopters are performing air operations, while 24 engines, five bulldozers and 15 water tenders aid ground support.

Camp Tamarack and the Scout Lake Day Use area and Overnight Camp remain closed. Recreation areas to the west of the fire in the Meadow Lakes Basin are also closed.

All Suttle Lake campgrounds and day use areas, the Suttle Lake Resort, Camp Davidson, Camp Caldera, and the Suttle Lake Methodist Camp remain open.

Fire officials urge motorists to drive slowly and with headlights on along Highway 20, particularly when smoke is visible on the highway. Watch for fire vehicles and equipment on the highway and forest roads.