SISTERS, Ore. — A wildfire burning near Sisters has jumped a containment line and grown to over 23 square miles, spreading through the Deschutes wilderness to the north and south. The increased fire activity has also prompted a pre-evacuation to be issued for residents living in the area.

Crews said they expect the fire to continue growing through the weekend. Firefighters worked overnight on Friday to burn off fire fuel and establish a new containment line before fire-friendly weather returned on Saturday.

Higher temperatures and lower humidity led to fire expansion to the north and south on Friday. Clouds created by the fire slightly increased moisture in the evening and dampened the fire overnight. The fire is listed as 10 percent contained.

High smoke levels are expected in the greater Sisters area as it settles at night into valleys and drainages. Fire officials warn that heavy smoke could cause respiratory problems from some people.

County Health Officials advise that people with respiratory problems or other health issues stay indoors with windows and doors closed during periods of heavy smoke. Visit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) website for more information on air quality in the area.

Residents living in the nearby Crossroads and Edgington/Remuda areas were put under a pre-evacuation alert, meaning that folks need to be ready to leave at a moments notice. 

The Level 2 pre-evacuation order was put in place because of the increase in fire activity over the past 24 hours.

For more information about the issued pre-evacuation call the hot-line at 541-550-4886.