A wildfire is prompting evacuations Tuesday afternoon in La Pine causing Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act.

The Darlene 3 Fire broke out around 2 p.m. Tuesday on the southeast outskirts of La Pine near Darlene Way and has grown to 250 acres.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized its incident team to battle the fire with the help of two structural task forces from Linn and Marion counties. Four additional task forces are expected to arrive Wednesday morning.

“This fire has quickly grown within the last few hours, pushed by gusty winds and high fire conditions. The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect life and property,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “As we enter the hot and dry summer months, I am asking Oregonians to do everything they can to prevent wildfires.”

Earlier this afternoon, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation notice for areas east of Highway 97 and north of Reed Road, including those off Rosland Road and Newberry Estates.

According to the Sheriff’s office, a temporary evacuation shelter has been set up at La Pine High School. The La Pine Rodeo Grounds have also opened their doors for those seeking shelter with large livestock and pets.

For up-to-date information visit the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.