Lake George Fire Near Sisters Doubles in Size

Heavy smoke from the wildfire has worked it way into Sisters and Black Butte, prompting the closure of the McKenzie Highway and prompting DEQ to issue a health advisory on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy: Doran and Louise Hays

(SISTERS) - Winds-fanned Lake George Fire on the Mt. Washington Wilderness Area to 4,250 acres Tuesday and kept firefighters busy, 850 firefighters were even pulled back for safety reasons, but officials still called it "a good day".

Crews worked on a second contingency line to the east of the fire, burning in very heavy timber. Work also continued on the northeast corner, with crews improving and securing line, and catching a small spot fire.

Meanwhile, assessment began on tactics for the western perimeter of the fire, which reached north almost to Washington Ponds, west of Mount Washington.

Though the fire was not very close to the Big Lake Youth Camp at the Hoodoo Ski Area, an evacuation and structural protection plan was being prepared.

Officials said the fire's growth pushed back containment estimates from 10 to 5 percent.

Sisters Middle School is being used as the fire command post, and sleeping area for firefighters.