Lighting sparks fires across region

Powerful storm cells rumbled across Sisters Country last week, with crashing peals of thunder and flashing bolts of lightning.

Those bolts peppered Sisters Country, sparking numerous small fires.

Seven blazes broke out on Black Butte on Sunday, as the summer day heated up in the wake of late-night thunderstorms. All fires were quickly lined and contained. A larger fire, dubbed the Castle Fire, is mapped at 16 acres located approximately four air miles north of the Bridge 99 Fire - which puts it about 13 miles north of Camp Sherman. The Castle Fire has been absorbed into the Bridge 99 Complex and is being managed by a management team based at Sisters Middle School.

The fire is 30 percent contained.

Firefighters have been able to begin putting in direct fire line on the south side of the fire, which has experienced growth due to debris rolling out of the fire area down the steep hill.

On Tuesday, fire officials reported that two crews would continue to build direct fire line and begin the mop-up process of extinguishing all burning and smoldering materials near containment lines.

Another crew removed overgrown vegetation along existing roads to improve a safe access to the southern part of the fire.

The south and parts of the eastern side of the fire has fire hoses installed to better secure that segment of line.

Helicopters continued to assist firefighters by cooling hot spots or spot fires ahead of the fire.

A spike camp was established closer to the fire to support hand crews and other miscellaneous support personnel. This increases the amount of time crews can spend accomplishing their mission and reduces the exposure to hazards associated with travelling to the fire from the incident command post in Sisters.

An area closure remains in place for the Sisters Ranger District, which includes the Monty Campground. Campers in the Perry South Campground have been cautioned that there is a fire in the area and have been encouraged to stay informed about fire operations.

An infrared reconnaissance flight Monday night revealed only a few small areas of heat within the containment lines of the Castle Fire and the Bridge 99 Fire. One heat source was identified within the Bear Butte 2 Fire. Engine crews will continue to monitor and secure the Bridge 99 Fire for a few more days.

The many fires burning across the region have hazed the Sisters Country sky with smoke. The smoke has not been heavy, but it has obscured the skyline for several days.

Cooler weather is expected for the latter part of the week, which may change the smoke conditions.