A wind-driven wildfire in Central Oregon has grown to 2,620 acres, threatening homes and prompting evacuations in the area. The Darlene 3 Fire, which started on Tuesday in Deschutes County, remained 30% contained as of Thursday. Fueled by gusty winds, the fire quickly spread through a pine forest near homes in La Pine, a small town at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. A new blaze on the east side of La Pine led to further evacuations and the opening of shelters at a local high school and rodeo grounds.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation alerts to 1,100 homes and businesses, with several campgrounds and hiking trails in the area also closed. Although it is unclear if any structures have been damaged, the fire has prompted Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act, allowing for state resources to assist local fire crews in battling the blaze.
Oregon State Fire Marshall Mariana Ruiz-Temple cited gusty winds and hot weather as factors in the fire’s rapid spread. She emphasized the importance of fire prevention measures as the state enters the hot and dry summer months. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
ABC News Internet Ventures has reported on the ongoing efforts to contain the Darlene 3 Fire and protect lives and property in Central Oregon.
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