Fire extinguisher helped quell blaze

A local forest dweller wielded fire extinguishers provided through a fire protection program to attack a small fire in the woods near Sisters the evening of September 24.

According to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, a nearby forest resident reported a small fire on National Forest land approximately one-half mile north of the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge in Sisters.

After reporting the fire, the neighboring forest dweller attempted to extinguish the fire using two small fire extinguishers that were provided to him previously by the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District under a dispersed camping fire prevention effort.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews arrived at midnight to find an area of forest approximately 50 feet in diameter on fire, including a dispersed campsite. The fire was contained at 50 feet in diameter.

Deputy Fire Chief Tim Craig told The Nugget that 50 fire extinguishers have been distributed in camps through the program, and RV fire personnel ensured that RVs parked in the forest have working alarms.

Other responding agencies included the Black Butte Ranch Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Forest Service. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District encourages all residents and visitors in Sisters Country to have working fire extinguishers in their homes, autos, and recreational vehicles.