By Jerald Jimenez
Jun 27, 2024, 09:35 AM EDT
A wildfire in Oregon grew overnight Tuesday to 2,415 acres, prompting evacuations and homes, local authorities reported.
The flames were 30% contained Wednesday, which is spreading in Deschutes County, according to the Central Oregon Fire Management Service. The fire known as Darlene 3 broke out around 2:00 p.m. local time and, fueled by gusts of wind, spread rapidly through a pine forest near homes in La Pine, a small town of about 2,500 people. in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office ordered the evacuation of some residents on the southeast side of La Pine. Shelters were set up at a local high school and at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds. Lt. Jayson Janes of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported evacuation alerts were sent to 1,100 homes and businesses.
At this time, it is not known if any structures have been damaged or destroyed. Several campgrounds and hiking trails in the area have also been closed. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
The sheriff’s office posted photos and video on its Facebook page showing a large plume of smoke emerging from a wooded area behind a cluster of homes and a firefighting tanker dumping fire retardant on the flames.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek activated the Conflagration Emergency Act after determining that the fire posed a threat to life and property and exceeded the resources of local fire agencies. The law allows the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment throughout the state to assist local fire crews in fighting the fire.
Oregon State Fire Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in a press release that gusty winds and warm weather caused the fire to spread rapidly. “The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect lives and property.”
“As we enter the hot, dry months of summer, I ask Oregonians to do everything they can to prevent wildfires,” Ruiz added.
With information from ABC News