Firefighters get a handle on Sisters blazes

Windy conditions on several days this past week challenged firefighters trying to get a handle on the Summit Springs Complex fires.

Despite cool, relatively wet conditions last Wednesday, the Summit Springs fire in particular kept pushing across containment lines, driven by gusty winds that accompanied the cold front.

Air attack by helicopters and retardant-dropping tankers provided critical support to ground forces, keeping the fire from running away.

Usually, hot and dry weather is bad news for firefighters. However, the more summer-like conditions that returned for the end of the week were a welcome change.

Firefighters were able to spot and attack hot spots that erupted as temperatures rose and humidity dropped and crews were able to extend and deepen containment lines.

The control lines passed additional testing on the Summit Springs Complex Sunday due to continuing warm, dry weather, followed by increasing winds late in the afternoon.

Passing that test assured firefighters that the Type II Incident management team that battled the blaze could hand the fire back to local resources. With the fire beginning to wind down, crews started to demobilize from the fire.

"I appreciate the professionalism and hard work of the team, as well as their cooperation with local agencies and collaborators. I also am thankful for everyone being so safety-conscious and the excellent safety record on the incident," stated Incident Commander Nancy Hirsch.

A local Type 3 Team assumed full command on Monday. The Type 3 Team will have approximately 170 firefighters. They will focus their efforts on continuing to patrol fire lines, completing mop-up and aiding in resource restoration activities.

The closure for Lower Bridge Campground, the river trails and the Road 14 bridge at the Metolius River was lifted on Monday. However, the 1490 Road and all roads above the Green Ridge Fire will remain closed. The Incident Management Team thanked the public for cooperating with these road closures.