LA PINE, Ore. — The fast-growing Darlene 3 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 an estimated 3,614 aces as of around 9 a.m. Thursday since it started Tuesday afternoon. 

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center said fire behavior increased through the afternoon Wednesday, with westerly winds pushing fire east toward Finley Butte, and officials said in a video Thursday morning that Wednesday had been a "really active day" due to wind activity.

Containment lines held steady along most of the fire perimeter on Wednesday, but firefighters were able to make some progress pushing inward on the southern side and create new firebreak lines on the southeast edge, although there was some damage in the Finley Butte area.

Thursday's activity will focus on further securing the ground gained yesterday, officials said, as well as preparation work on the north and west sides. The fire is about 30% contained as of Thursday morning, same as on Wednesday.

The cause is actively being investigated, according to Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at La Pine High School, located on 51633 Coach Road. A shelter for livestock and small animals has been established at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds.

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, fire conditions has prompted a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice in the area that surrounds the shelters. It includes west of Highway 97 and north of Burgess Road, according to Deschutes Alerts. 

The fire started around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, one mile south of La Pine on the east side of Darlene Way. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office ordered evacuations near the fire.

Around 9 p.m. Tuesday evening, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) said they mobilized their Red Incident Management Team, as well as six structural task forces, to help battle the blaze. Firefighters worked with dozers to establish control lines, and air resources dropped retardant to slow the fire's spread, according to the Central Oregon Fire Management Service.

Fire crews also used 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.

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 OSFM Red Incident Management Team and two structural task forces from Linn and Marion counties have been activated. The OSFM said four more mobilized task forces arrived early 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 Tuesday evening. "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.

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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