Oregon Wildfire Growing After Active Day

A wildfire near La Pine, Oregon that has prompted evacuation orders grew to 3,889 acres on Thursday morning.

The Darlene 3 Fire, which started Tuesday, is now 30% contained. Winds and warm temperatures on Tuesday resulted in spotting beyond the fire perimeter, causing the fire to expand east into the Deschutes National Forest, according to the Central Oregon Fire Info service.

The fire caused evacuation orders and warnings which remain in place.

Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in on Tuesday in response to the wildfire. The declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene.

“This is the first major wildfire of the season prompting approval of the Emergency Conflagration Act to allow urgent deployment of additional resources to our neighbors in Deschutes County,” Kotek stated. “The priority of the state is ensuring safety of the families and properties in the region and up-to-date communications on the wildfire as it evolves.”

The number of incident personnel has been increased to 335. There are currently 38 engines, 5 handcrews, 8 water tenders and multiple dozers and aircraft dedicated to fire suppression, according to the Central Oregon Fire Info service.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Oregon