Link Fire 80 percent contained

Despite facing some stiff winds, firefighters had a good day battling the Link Fire west of Sisters on Saturday, July 12.

According to fire officials, the blaze is now 80 percent contained at slightly over 3,200 acres. The east flank nearest Black Butte Ranch held steady all day, spreading no closer to the Ranch.

At its closest point, the fire is 3-1/2 miles from the Ranch, which remains at Phase II of its emergency plan, with fire and police personnel on heightened alert.

More than 900 people, including seven elite hotshot crews are working on the fire, which carries a current estimated cost of $3.1 million.

The fire has been determined to be human caused, but no specific cause has been announced.