New fire grows overnight for central Oregon firefighters

SISTERS, Ore. -- Fire crews are being dispatched to a new fire that has grown to over 40 acres overnight near Jack Lake (body of water directly east on map) in central Oregon, The Central Oregon Inter-agency Dispatch Center said Sunday.

Initial reports of the fire estimated that it was burning only an acre or two of timber in the Canyon Creek drainage area, east of the Mt. Jefferson wilderness. However the flames grew quickly as ground crews made the first move on establishing fire lines at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

By 8 p.m. firefighters reported that the blaze had grown to an estimated 5-8 acres. After assessing the size in the morning light crews are estimating the fire at about 40 acres.

Officials attribute the fire's rapid growth to the dry, dead timber source. The fire has also made significant runs up the side of the steep canyon walls in the Canyon Creek region. The snags (or dead, standing trees) coupled with the steep terrain pose a threat to crews working in the area.

 A brief rainfall of around one-tenth of an inch early Saturday morning slowed the fire, but crews reported that the relief was short lived.

A fire engine, two airplanes, two helicopters and a team of smoke jumpers have also been sent to fight the fire. Another helicopter is being used to transport crews to the site of the fire.

There are no immediate threats to structures, however the public is advised to avoid the area. A roadblock has been established on the 1230/1234 access road junction. The COIDC said that all roads in the immediate area need to be clear for firefighters and equipment.

Investigators are still working on finding the cause of the fire.