Lake George Fire Near Sisters Grows to Over 5,000 Acres

The lightning-caused fire is being managed by Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 under a joint delegation from the Deschutes National Forest, Willamette National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry.

Salem-News.com File Photo

(SISTERS) - The Lake George Fire west of Sisters is 20 percent contained and has black end 5,150 acres.

The continued air and ground battle focused on an intense spot east of the main fire front and within a half-mile of still-shut McKenzie Highway, Highway 242.

Crews on the north side focused on spot fires and reinforced a line anchored Tuesday, while, four 20-person crews were brought in by helicopter west of the Cascades crest to establish a "spike camp."

Crews worked during the night 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.

Total personnel on the fire has increased to 1,010.

Potential for growth remains high this weekend.

Due to visibility problems and the need for firefighter safety, the Oregon Department of Transportation will keep Highway 242 closed between Cold Springs Campground, approximately 4 miles west of Sisters and milepost 76, which is west of the Dee Wright Observatory near the Pacific Crest Trailhead.

Heavy smoke from the wildfire is settling into Sisters and Black Butte, prompting a DEQ health advisory.