Wildfire

Central Oregon Firefighters Battle Fire Near Tumalo Falls Trailhead

By Kimberley Freda (OPB)
May 27, 2017 5:33 p.m.

Firefighters are battling a wildfire that's burning 11 miles west of Bend.

The Cougar Butte fire started burning Friday afternoon. By Saturday afternoon, it had grown to an estimated to be more than 150 acres in size. By Sunday morning, it had grown to 170 acres.

Favorable weather Saturday allowed firefighters to make progress controlling the fire, as it is estimated to be 40 percent contained.

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The Tumalo Falls Trailhead is closed while crews work to control the fire.

A level 1 evacuation notice is in effect for the Skyliners subdivision nearby, meaning residents should be ready for potential evacuation.

Drinking water collected from the Bridge Creek watershed area is expected to be unaffected by the fire burning in the Tumalo Creek drainage area.

“At this time, based on the wind and size of the fire, there are no critical threats to the city of Bend watershed or intake facility," said Ken Vaughan, Safety Manager for Bend, in a news release. "The fire is within a mile and a half of the city of Bend intake facility but appears to be moving west and away from the structure."

This story has been updated.

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