A public meeting is planned for Tuesday, August 22, 6 p.m. at the Sisters High School, 1700 McKinney Butte Rd, Sisters, Oregon. Information regarding status of the fire, closures, and evacuations will be provided.

Heavy smoke filled the air today as a result of multiple fires in the region. Winds from the southwest carried smoke from fires in southwest Oregon and northern California blanketing much of Oregon.

Smoke caused significant visibility issues today with fire suppression efforts. Aircraft were grounded as a result of the smoky conditions. Heavy smoke layers moderate fire behavior, so minimum spread is expected. Direct suppression occurred on the northeast and southeast side of the fire near Forest Service Road 16 where firefighters widened dozer and hand lines and, where possible, watered down lines to cool them off and prepare for mop-up in the coming days. Crews on the northwest side of the fire near OR 242 continued fuel reduction work and may conduct a burnout this evening if conditions allow to better secure the area.

Air quality outlook through Wednesday, August 23rd is expected to be unhealthy in the Sisters area. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Periods of smoke and haze could reach hazardous levels particularly in the early morning, in which case everyone should avoid outdoor activity.

Sisters School District first day of school delayed due to poor air quality. School administrators found it necessary to move the start of school back a day in response to the lost staff workday. The first day for 1st through 9th grade will be Tuesday, August 29th, while 10th through 12th graders will start on August 30th. More information at: www.ssd6.org

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in consultation with its partners on the Milli Fire, are continually evaluating the need for possible changes to evacuation notices.  Every effort is being made to return residents to their homes but this cannot be done until the safety of the public can be assured.

Evacuations:

Level 3 – The subdivisions of Crossroads, Edgington/Remunda, Wildwing, Peterson Burn Road Area, and along both sides of Three Creeks Lake Road (Forest Road 16) about one mile south of Sisters from the junction of the Brooks Scanlon logging road.

Level 1- The subdivision of Tollgate, all areas between OR 242 and HWY 20 and west of Cold Springs Cutoff (FS1018), which includes Black Butte Ranch.

Road Closures:

OR242 east of Cascade Crest to the junction of Forest Road 15. For further information see www.tripcheck.com

Links:

Forest Closures: There is an area closure in place in the Deschutes National Forest, due to fire activity.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices

Smoke monitoring information is available at: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com