LA PINE, Ore. — A fast-growing wildfire near La Pine in Deschutes County has prompted Level 3 (Go Now) and Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation orders. The fire has grown to 250 acres since it started around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The fire started around one mile south of La Pine on the east side of Darlene Way. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office ordered evacuations near the fire.

As of 9 p.m., the Oregon State Fire Marshal said they have mobilized their Red Incident Management Team, as well as six structural task forces, to help battle the blaze. 

As of about 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, fire officials said that the fire remained completely uncontained. Firefighters were working with dozers to being establishing control lines, and air resources were dropping retardant to slow the fire's spread, according to the Central Oregon Fire Management Service.

Fire crews were also using controlled burns to eat up fuels ahead of the fire and help establish control lines where officials judged it unsafe to engage the fire directly.

A temporary evacuation point was set up at La Pine High School for evacuees in need of somewhere to go. A shelter for livestock and small animals was established at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, which allows the state fire marshal to send firefighters and equipment to assist local emergency responders battling the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Red Incident Management Team and two structural task forces from Linn and Marion counties have been activated. The OSFM said it's mobilizing four more task forces that will arrive Wednesday morning.

"This fire has quickly grown within the last few hours, pushed by gusty winds and high fire conditions," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect life and property."

Several restaurants, shops, homes and campgrounds are within the evacuation zones that are near La Pine Middle and High School.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Here's what evacuation levels mean

Level 1 Notice - Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.

Level 2 Notice - Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment's notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

Level 3 Notice - Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

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