A fast-moving wildfire near La Pine is putting parts of Central Oregon on edge Tuesday, as emergency officials urge some residents to leave immediately while others prepare to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Firefighters spent the day working to contain a roughly 10-acre fire burning near Riverview Drive, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. But even at that size, the threat has been serious enough to trigger both Level 3 and Level 1 evacuation notices across nearby neighborhoods.
For those in the hardest-hit areas, the message couldn’t be clearer.
Level 3 means GO NOW.
Evacuation orders are in place for Timber Lane Loop, Riverview Drive, Bridge Drive, and homes along the Little Deschutes River. The impacted zone stretches north of Burgess Road, west of Huntington Road, east of Forest Road, and south of Elk Court and Deer Run Lane.
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Officials didn’t mince words in their warning.
“Leave immediately,” the sheriff’s office said. “If you delay, emergency services may not be able to assist you.”
Residents are being told not to gather belongings or attempt to defend their homes. This is the final notice.
Meanwhile, a wider area remains under Level 1 “Be Ready” status, including neighborhoods along Cagle Road, Railroad Street, Skidgel Road, Antler Lane, Doe Lane, and several residential streets near Highway 97.
For those residents, now is the time to prepare.
That means packing essentials, making plans for pets and livestock, and staying glued to updates as conditions can change quickly.
An evacuation point has been set up at the La Pine Activity Center on Victory Way for those who need a safe place to go.
Officials are urging everyone in the area to stay informed through Deschutes Alerts and local emergency updates as crews continue working to get the fire under control.
Wildfire season may still feel early, but this is a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can shift in Central Oregon.
See current maps of the fire here.
