Redmond, OR – The Central Oregon Dispatch Center received several reports of smoke today, but only one new fire that is currently three quarters of an acre burning approximately 4.5 miles northeast of Crane Prairie.
The Milli Fire, in the Three Sisters Wilderness, is now 150 acres and 2% contained. The acreage decreased from this morning due to better mapping. This fire is currently 8 miles west of Sisters and about one and a half miles southwest of Black Crater Lake. There was moderate fire behavior today while crews used minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST tactics) within the wilderness. Outside the wilderness, equipment is being utilized to construct contingency lines and improve forest service roads in anticipation of fire growth to the east. For up-to-date information on closures on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and trail reroute options, visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/trail-conditions-and-closures/. The following areas are temporarily closed for public safety:
- Forest Road 1018 is closed from Highway 242 to Forest Road 15.
- Forest Road 1520 is closed from Forest Road 1018 to Forest Road 15.
- The Millican Crater Trailheads located at Lava Camp Lake and Forest Road 1024 are closed.
- The Scott Pass Trailhead located on Forest Road 1026 is closed. Black Crater Trailhead located off Highway 242 is closed.
- Whispering Pine campground located at the junction of Forest Road 1018 and 1520 is closed.
The Whychus Fire, about 8 miles northeast of Sisters is currently 2030 acres and 80% contained. While there was no fire growth today, resources on the fire observed interior burning and continued mopping up.
The Belknap Fire, located in the Mill Creek Wilderness on the Ochoco National Forest, is currently 120 acres and 0% contained. Three handcrews are arriving on the fire today to assist the smokejumpers and other resources on the fire.
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For the Central Oregon Fire Information hotline, please call 541-316-7711.