A wildfire, known as the Cat Rock Fire, broke out about six miles north of Prineville on Saturday afternoon, initially reported at 500 acres. The fire prompted a temporary Level 3 evacuation north of the city, which was later downgraded to Level 2. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported the fire around 3:30 p.m., with winds pushing it southeast. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Evacuation orders were issued for McKay Creek Road from the intersection with Gerke Road to Cat Rock Road, briefly at Level 3 “Go Now” and later reduced to Level 2 “Be Set”. An evacuation center was being set up at Carey Foster Hall on SE Lynn Blvd. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office also announced that Barn 13 would be available for livestock with room for about 20 animals.
For overnight updates and developments, residents were advised to check Central Oregon Fire Info on X, the Oregon Department of Forestry on Facebook, and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook. As of the latest update at 9:50 p.m. on Saturday, efforts to contain the Cat Rock Fire were ongoing.
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