In some areas of Deschutes County, residents were urged to evacuate immediately to ensure their safety and to enable public safety personnel to assist them effectively. A small wildfire in central Oregon rapidly expanded on Tuesday, scorching roughly 1,700 acres by nightfall, triggering evacuations, and leaving thousands without power.
The fire, named the Darlene 3 Fire, swiftly spread on the outskirts of La Pine in Deschutes County, necessitating a regional firefighter response. As of Tuesday night, the fire continued to spread, according to the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch.
Firefighters arrived at the scene around 12:45 p.m. local time. Initially, the fire covered 3 to 5 acres, but within an hour, it had tripled in size. By nightfall, the fire had grown to 1,700 acres and was 0% contained shortly after 9 p.m. Evacuations were ordered in some areas, while residents in nearby locations were advised to be prepared to evacuate. Photos and videos on the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page showed black smoke rising behind several properties.
Governor Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Darlene 3 Fire near La Pine in Deschutes County.
— Oregon State Fire Marshal (@OSFM) June 25, 2024
This allows us to send resources to help protect life and property. We are mobilizing our Red Incident Management Team and six structural task forces. pic.twitter.com/jD2f9qKGBp
The U.S. Forest Service closed and evacuated nearby campgrounds and trails in Deschutes National Forest.
A shelter for evacuees was set up at La Pine High School, and a facility for livestock and pets was established at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds.
Governor Tina Kotek invoked Oregon's Emergency Conflagration Act, enabling the state fire marshal to deploy the full resources of the Oregon fire service to protect lives and property. Midstate Electric Cooperative warned some customers of a likely public safety shutoff due to the fires.
Governor Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Darlene 3 Fire near La Pine in Deschutes County.
— Oregon State Fire Marshal (@OSFM) June 25, 2024
This allows us to send resources to help protect life and property. We are mobilizing our Red Incident Management Team and six structural task forces. pic.twitter.com/jD2f9qKGBp
More than 2,000 customers were without power, according to the utility company.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The fire's name, Darlene 3, reflects the area's history with wildfires. In 2021, the Darlene Fire burned nearly 700 acres and destroyed two homes, as reported by NBC affiliate KTVZ of Bend.
La Pine, a rural city about 30 miles southwest of Bend, has a population of around 2,500. The greater La Pine area has just under 20,000 residents. It is Oregon’s “youngest” city, having been incorporated in 2006, according to the city’s website.
