Crews Respond to Three Overnight Fires Along Crater Lake Highway

Prospect, Oregon- Fire crews on the High Cascades Ranger District responded early Thursday to reports of three new fires that ignited overnight north of Prospect along Crater Lake Highway.

According to forest officials, the fires began in previously piled slash and brushy fuels at three separate locations. Thanks to overnight rainfall, cool temperatures, and high humidity, fire spread beyond the piles was limited. Engines and a crew are currently on scene at all three incidents to ensure there is no further fire activity.

The Landing Fire (#440) is burning just under two acres of large slash piles west of Crater Lake Highway, approximately 3.6 miles north of Prospect. Only minimal spread into surrounding vegetation was observed.

The North Fire (#441) involves 15 to 20 hand-stacked piles from fuels reduction work east of the highway, about 6.7 miles north of Prospect. It is estimated at roughly three-quarters of an acre.

Farther north, the Bend Fire (#442) is burning in a machine-stacked pile east of the highway approximately 11.9 miles north of Prospect. A smaller nearby fire was also discovered but had already burned out due to cold and wet conditions.

All three fires are staffed with multiple resources and have varying levels of containment in place. Fire managers report no expected growth as crews work toward full containment throughout the day.

The cause of the fires remains under investigation. Officials ask anyone who was in the area overnight on Oct. 8 and noticed unusual activity to contact authorities.

This will be the final update unless significant changes occur.