Emergency Declaration Issued as Central Oregon Wildfire Expands to 1,700 Acres

A wind-driven wildfire that ignited on Tuesday in Central Oregon spread overnight to 1,700 acres and was threatening homes as residents were ordered to evacuate, officials said.

The Darlene 3 Fire burning in Deschutes County was 0% contained early Wednesday, according to the Central Oregon Fire Management Service.

The blaze started about 2 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Fanned by gusty winds, the blaze quickly spread through a pine forest near homes in La Pine, a small town of about 2,500 people in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, officials said.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office ordered some residents on the southeast side of La Pine to evacuate. Shelters were opened at a local high school and the La Pine Rodeo Grounds, officials said.

Lt. Jayson Janes of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said evacuation alerts were sent to 1,100 homes and businesses.

It was not immediately clear if any structures had been damaged or destroyed.

Several campgrounds and hiking trails in the area were also closed, officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The sheriff’s office posted photos and video on its Facebook page showing a large plume of smoke emerging from a forest behind a group of homes and a firefighting air tanker dropping fire-suppression retardant on the flames.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act after determining the fire posed a threat to life and property and exceeded the resources of the local fire agencies. The act allows the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment throughout the state to assist local fire crews in battling the fire.

Oregon State Fire Marshall Mariana Ruiz-Temple said gusty winds and hot weather caused the fire to quickly spread.

“The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect life and property,” Ruiz-Temple said in a news release. “As we enter the hot and dry summer months, I am asking Oregonians to do everything they can to prevent wildfires.”

An emergency declaration has been issued in Central Oregon as a wildfire continues to expand, now reaching a staggering 1,700 acres in size. The fire, which started on Monday afternoon, has quickly grown due to strong winds and dry conditions in the area.

The wildfire is located near the town of Sisters, about 20 miles northwest of Bend. The blaze has forced the evacuation of several homes in the area, and residents are being urged to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders.

Firefighters from multiple agencies are working tirelessly to contain the fire, but challenging conditions are making their efforts difficult. The steep terrain and gusty winds are fueling the flames, making it hard for crews to gain control of the situation.

The emergency declaration allows for additional resources to be brought in to help fight the fire, including more firefighters, equipment, and air support. It also gives local authorities the ability to implement emergency measures to protect residents and property in the affected area.

Officials are urging residents in the area to stay informed and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. They are also asking people to avoid unnecessary travel in the area to allow emergency responders to do their work unimpeded.

Wildfires are a common occurrence in Oregon during the summer months, but this year has been particularly challenging due to the extreme heat and dry conditions. The fire in Central Oregon serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and following evacuation orders when they are issued.

As the wildfire continues to burn, residents and firefighters alike are hoping for favorable weather conditions that will help bring the blaze under control. In the meantime, everyone is urged to stay safe and stay informed as the situation develops.