Abandoned campfire sparks brushfire

An abandoned campfire started a blaze near Allingham Guard Station in Camp Sherman last Wednesday.

A smoke column from the fire was spotted from the Black Butte Lookout at about 2 p.m. Oregon Department of Forestry and Forest Service firefighters quickly contained the blaze at about one-quarter-acre.

Forest Service Assistant Fire Management Officer Vince Grace told The Nugget that there have been several incidents involving abandoned campfires in the Sisters Country in recent weeks.

"That's been kind of a problem here lately," Grace said.

Campers are cautioned to make absolutely certain a campfire is dead out before leaving the area. Douse the fire with water and dirt, stir and mix the wet dirt and ashes. Make sure there is no heat left.

If a fire is not dead out, the heat and breeze of a Sisters Country afternoon can fan the flames and create a wildfire.