Three Sisters Wilderness lightning fire now out

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: On July 5th, a lightning-caused fire was reported in the Three Sisters Wilderness near Mink Lake Basin north of Park Trail #3530. Named the Moonlight Fire it involved approximately 2 acres. Initially, 10 smokejumpers were on the scene working to suppress the creeping and smoldering fire. A medium-sized type 2 helicopter was sent in later that day, working out of the McKenzie Bridge Airport.

On July 7th the McKenzie Fire 20-person hand crew, as well as 4 additional Helitack personnel, hiked in to help support Moonlight Fire located in the Three Sisters Wilderness near Mink Lake Basin north of Park Trail #3530. They continued to support the incident using full suppression tactics to put the fire out. There wasn’t a threat to structures or nearby communities but people were advised to stay out of the area.

Officials said the fire was managed by McKenzie River Ranger District using full suppression tactics to put the fire out. There wasn’t a threat to structures or nearby communities but people were advised to stay out of the area.

The fire danger level in the Willamette National Forest has risen to “high” and the Industrial Fire Prevention Level is at II. There are currently no public use restrictions in place for fire, but Forest Service officials are urging everyone to exercise caution while recreating in the woods, especially if they have a campfire. A campfire should be contained in a pre-existing or robust fire ring with a shovel and water in reach. The campfire should also be kept small and at least five feet away from any flammable material, including overhanging tree limbs.

Crews were able to complete the mop-up and fire suppression repair Monday morning. The fire is now officially called out. All personnel and equipment have been released from the fire.

Additionally, fire crews put out 7 small fires in the Willamette National Forest over the weekend. All fires are now out.

Many of those fires were abandoned campfires. People are reminded to extinguish campfires, drown them with water, stir, drown, and continue until cold to touch. “Smothering” a fire with dirt is not sufficient to put the fire “dead out.”