Suspicious fires in Sisters area

Six very small fires broke out in Sisters Country Wednesday evening, August 17.

According to Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch, five of the blazes were reported just off Forest Road 16 (Three Creek Road) south of Sisters, and another was reported off Forest Road 11 northeast of Black Butte.

All were around a tenth of an acre in size and manned by fire crews overnight.

The blazes are under investigation. There has been no lightning in the area.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is urging all residents to take the utmost care and thorough caution to prevent wildfires.

"A majority of this year's wildfires have been human caused," said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "This demonstrates that all of us need to take responsibility for protecting ourselves and our neighbors by preventing wildfires in these extreme conditions."

In the past month, Central Oregon has had numerous human-caused fires. Now, Oregon State Police along with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office believe that several of those fires were intentionally started. Specific details will not be released while investigations are ongoing.

While an investigation by all cooperating agencies is in progress, the agencies urge the public to report suspicious activity on public lands by calling the Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555 or if it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Central Oregon is currently in the peak of its fire season, and the fire danger level is extreme with very dry fuels and continued hot and dry weather in the forecast. The public is reminded that every wildfire puts our firefighters, visitors, residents and properties in danger.

In addition to the arson fires, firefighters have responded to numerous abandoned or escaped campfires. Campfires should never be left unattended and should be cold to the touch whenever they are left. Properly dispose of cigarette butts, park only in areas clear of vegetation, and in general use caution while working and recreating.