The Darlene Fire expands in Deschutes County, threatening homes and prompting immediate evacuations. KOIN reports that the blaze, which ignited less than a day ago, has surged to over 2,000 acres, forcing Level 3 "Go Now" orders for residents near La Pine. As of Wednesday morning, containment is at 30% over an area of 2,415 acres, with no significant change in evacuation directives since Tuesday.
Evacuation zones include those east of Highway 97 and north of Reed Road, touching upon Newberry Estates and other locales off Rosland Road, according to officials. La Pine High School has been established as a temporary refuge for the displaced. In a swift action, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek activated the Emergency Conflagration Act, granting the state fire marshal authority to deploy additional firefighters and equipment to aid the local firefighting efforts.
According to KATU, the Darlene 3 Fire, located just one mile south of La Pine, has led to both Level 3 and Level 2 evacuations. The fire's rapid expansion to 1,700 acres prompted action from campgrounds to the Rosland OHV play area. The same high school serves as the point for residents seeking temporary evacuation.
Meanwhile, updates from Central OR Fire Info indicate a Type 3 Incident Management Team took command this morning to maintain the fire within its current footprint in unified command with the OSFM Red Team. Priority is given to the fire's containment lines, which are expected to be tested by the impending winds.
The Darlene 3 Fire is ~2,415 acres & 30% contained. The cause is actively being investigated. A Type 3 IMT assumed command this morning in unified command with the @OSFM Red Team. Focus today is keeping the fire within its current footprint. Winds are expected to test lines. pic.twitter.com/Vab3KJ3HkZ
— Central OR Fire Info (@CentralORFire) June 26, 2024
