News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Fire crews make progress on Grandview Fire

The Grandview Fire has grown to 4,000 acres in the area roughly 18 miles northeast of Sisters. The fire is reported to have been "very active" on Monday.

However, firefighters, aided by air attack — including five large air tankers dropping retardant, and two helicopters dropping water to cool hot spots — have made real progress on the blaze.

According to Central Oregon Fire Information, crews and bulldozers worked through the night on Sunday, and by Monday morning had preliminary containment lines or retardant around the majority of the 4,000 acre fire, which remains west of Whychus Creek and, as of Monday afternoon, entirely in Jefferson County.

Fire behavior was reportedly extremely active Sunday afternoon and through the evening hours, and crews were challenged by numerous spot fires and group tree torching. On Monday, the fire grew toward the west, before an east wind. In the afternoon, forecasted northwest winds were beginning to push on preliminary fire lines to the south.

A Central Oregon task force of structure fire engines, including one from Marion County, have been focused on point protection around Holmes Road and Squaw Creek Canyon Estates. The Holmes Road/McKenzie Canyon area to the east of the fire has been placed on Level 1 ("Be Ready") evacuation notice.

Central Oregon Fire Information reports that, crews are holding and securing the fire lines put in place by several dozers with the assistance air resources.

A Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Type 3 team has been in command of the fire and will transition to a Type 1 Oregon Department of Forestry team at 6 p.m. Monday.

 

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