VIDEO: The Highland Fire, which erupted Saturday afternoon in Crook County, was human caused, fire investigators said Sunday. The wind-driven fire south of Prineville began around 3:45 p.m. and moved quickly through sage brush and juniper, Crook County Fire & Rescue said. The full investigation into the cause is active and ongoing, but authorities said no structures have been lost at this time.
Early Sunday, the Crook County Sheriff’s Office said the fire remains around 1,500 acres with 0% containment around Juniper Canyon near Mark Road and Southeast Highland Road. A fire line around the perimeter was made by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management firefighters, officials said. A public meeting was held at the Barnes Butte Elementary School gym to provide an update on the Highland Fire.
The Sunday temperatures were nearly 100 degrees with winds gusting to 20 mph. The evacuations ordered Saturday night remain in effect for Levels 1, 2 and 3. About 1,500 people are affected by these evacuation notices. The Central Electric Cooperative line crews are also working to repair the downed poles in Juniper Canyon caused by the Highland Fire. Authorities estimated the repairs should be completed by early Sunday evening.
