SISTERS, Ore. -- A wildfire in central Oregon near the town of Sisters is 30 percent contained after burning about nine square miles -- or 6000 acres.
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Fire crews were conducting a burnout operation to try to reduce the amount of dried vegetation in front of the fire that has sent up clouds of smoke since it began Monday in the Deschutes National Forest.
Forecasters have predicted a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms Thursday, bringing in erratic winds and gusts up to 40 miles per hour, which could drive the fire in different directions.
Homeowners near the fire are on alert to evacuate if necessary.
A Red Cross shelter was set up at the Sisters Elementary School in nearby Sisters.
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For recorded information regarding re-entry an evacuation line was set up at 541-550-4886
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The Rooster Rock fire was first reported at midday Monday in the Deschutes National Forest, about six miles south of Sisters. Officials with the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center said it was unknown what sparked the fire.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
