8/11 Cascade Fire Update

The lightning-caused Cascade Division Complex is burning approximately 14 miles northwest of Sisters in steep terrain above the Metolius Basin.

Most of the small fires in the complex have been completely suppressed and as of August 6, responsibility has been returned to the National Forest, and the team is solely managing the Green Ridge Fire, the only large fire in this complex, approximately 1,510 acres and 95 percent contained.

Mop-up and repair of suppression damage will continue into next week.

Light smoke may still be visible in the Metolius Basin as fuels within the fire perimeter continue to burn. Throughout the day extra resources, including helicopters, will be released and made available to other fires. Plans are in place to transfer command of the fire back to the Sisters Ranger District Monday morning, August 12.

There are no evacuations, but, for public and firefighter safety, there is an emergency closure in the area for several Forest Service roads that remains in effect. Updates to this closure will be posted on the Deschutes National Forest web site at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/centraloregon/alerts-notices.

While the Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, and Pioneer Ford Campgrounds remain closed, as well as the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, businesses in Camp Sherman and six popular campgrounds along the Metolius River are open.