Brush fire doused at Lake Creek Lodge

Firefighters quickly doused a brush fireon Sunday near

Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman. photo by Conrad Weiler

Local firefighters quickly subdued a small brush fire in Camp Sherman Sunday, July 13.

The fire was located behind Cabin 17 on the northeast section of the 42-acre property located off Road 1419. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Barbara Sufficool, cook at Lake Creek Lodge, was walking her dog when she spotted the fire shortly before 11 a.m. She alerted Velda Brust, who telephoned 9-1-1 and reported the fire.

"The response was wonderful," said Brust. "They deserve our gratitude for speedily getting here and putting out the fire. Response was from local Search and Rescue members, Forest Service and fire department. They mopped it all up."

It was indeed fortunate that they got the fire knocked down quickly. A blaze in dry brush, stumps and downed wood could have become a much greater problem in the residential community.

Captain Gary Lovegren, Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, was in charge of operations.

Early on the scene were Larry Fernandez and Sergeant Mark Foster of the Jefferson County Search and Rescue team (Hasty Team). They used a hose to water down the fire until the fire crew arrived from Sisters. Also quickly on the scene were Jack Jones, Jefferson County Sheriff, and local Deputy Sheriff Dave Blann.

Lake Creek Lodge has 17 cabins and a main lodge on the grounds near Pine Lodge Road and the fire was east of the barn at Metolius Meadows. This area will be the site of the new meeting hall proposed for Lake Creek Lodge by new owner Gordon Jones.