Cougar Peak Fire (Wildfire)

Cougar Peak Fire burning northwest of Lakeview The Cougar Peak Fire is was discovered at 1:45 p.m. and currently burning approximately 15 miles northwest of Lakeview on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lakeview Ranger District.The fire, estimated to be 60 acres and growing rapidly in mixed conifer and brush, is threatening Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands. Cottonwood Campground, located approximately 1.5 miles west of the fire, was evacuated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday afternoon.  Recreation sites in the area are closed due to the fire, including Upper Cottonwood, as well as Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. There are multiple air and ground wildland firefighting resources fighting Tuesday evening, with more on order. Air resources include three heavy air tankers and three helicopters. Smoke from the fire is highly visible along Oregon State Highway 140 between Lakeview and Quartz Mountain, as well as along U.S. Highway 395.  Drivers should use…