Sheep Springs Fire burning in Metolius Basin - Tuesday, June 27, 1 p.m.

The Sheep Springs Fire is burning less than a mile northeast of Sheep Springs Campground and roughly a half-mile west of Forest Road 12 in the Metolius Basin.

The blaze is burning in an area previously burned by the B & B Fire in 2003, in an area predominantly covered in standing dead trees. Due to the extremely hazardous nature of the incident's location, firefighters will use indirect strategies to contain the fire, primarily from roads. This will minimize the need for firefighters to engage directly with in the fire in unsafe conditions. 


Today, crews will be reinforcing containment lines and preparing the area for burnout operations. Firefighters are looking to complete burnout operations Wednesday or Thursday.

There are currently no closures in effect for the Sheep Springs Fire. There will be increased fire traffic in the Metolius Basin area and around the town of Sisters. Bridge 99 along the Metolius River will be used as a dip site for helicopters should water drops become necessary.


A local Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the fire on Tuesday morning. Current resources include Prineville Hotshots, a dozer and overhead personnel. Numerous resources have been ordered, including 2 Type 2 initial attack crews, 2 Type 2 handcrews, 10 engines, water tender and fall bosses. 


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