Fire crews continue to battle Cinder Butte Wildfire

More than 400 firefighters have arrived on the Cinder Butte Fire, burning south of Hwy 20 between Bend and Burns. The fire started yesterday near Glass Butte, temporarily closing Highway 20, before burning south toward Wagontire and Highway 395. The fire is burning quickly through grass, sagebrush and juniper.


The fire grew rapidly yesterday due to high temperatures, very low humidity, and afternoon winds. High temperatures overnight led to increased growth and the fire was mapped at 56,000 acres this morning. The fire approached Hwy 395 last night; however, crews so far have been able to build and hold a preliminary fireline about 1 mile north of the highway near Wagontire. Firefighters will continued to be challenged by the weather, as high temps and low humidity will persist, and afternoon winds are expected in the area.


A Type 2 Incident Management will arrive this evening, and take over command of the fire tomorrow morning.