Grandview Fire being contained

The 822 fire personnel working the Grandview Fire 9 miles NE of Sisters have been able to hold the blaze at 5,971 acres. As of 10 p.m., Thursday, July 15, 20 percent of the perimeter was contained, up from the previous day’s 14 percent. The cause of the blaze is still unknown.

The fuels involved in the fire are mostly scattered open stands of pine among juniper trees, sage brush, and grass. There is heavy creekside fuel in the Whychus drainage area to the southeast, which has some potential for holdover burning.

The main activity is in the interior of the fire where heavier fuels continue to burn. Active fire behavior on the perimeter is minimal with some creeping and smoldering. Noticeable smoke in the vicinity of Sisters has been minimal for the past few days with bright blue skies apparent this morning.

Crews will continue to reinforce and improve existing fire control lines while tactical control and mop-up occurring around structures and roadways. No structures of any kind have been lost to the fire, thanks to the hard work of the fire crews.

Due to increasing relative humidity, improved nighttime recovery, and light winds forecast for the next few days, the potential for large fire activity will be lessened.

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland have issued a temporary area closure around the Grandview Fire. The Deschutes Land Trust has temporarily closed three preserves in the area – Indian Ford Meadow, Whychus Canyon, and Camp Polk Meadow.

The current weather forecast calls for breezy winds and humidity in the low to mid 20 percent range. Tomorrow will be cooler with a high around 81 degrees and relative humidity in the mid 20 percent range. In the long run, there is a slight chance of thunderstorms next week.