Lake George Fire Near Sisters Grows to Nearly 2,000 Acres Monday

The fire has forced the closure of the McKenzie Highway.

The Lake George Fire Photo courtesy: Doran and Louise Hays

(SISTERS) - The Lake George Fire burning 13 miles west of Sisters in the Mt. Washington Wilderness on the Deschutes National Forest, is currently 1,950 acres in size.

Agencies on this fire include the USDA Forest Service, the USDI Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Forestry and the 153rd airlift Wing Air National Guard from Cheyenne WY.

The fire is burning in insect killed Lodgepole Pine and fir and is within the Mt Washington Wilderness; contingency line is built outside of the wilderness boundary.

As of Monday 554 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 16 crews and 7 helicopters.

Firefighters said the fire was growing on the west and southwest sides, toward Mt. Washington and George Lake, and not toward Black Butte Ranch, or Sisters, 13 miles to the east..

A firefighter campground has been set-up at Sisters Middle School.

The fire is 10 percent contained.