DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore — As of Saturday morning, the Darlene 3 wildfire near La Pine in Deschutes County has reached 50% containment, according to Central Oregon Fire. The fire has burned 3,889 acres since it started June 25.

All containment lines held over Friday evening, and crews will watch for "spotting and provide structure protection, if necessary," the agency said. Drones will also check for hotspots. 

The weather continues to speak well for fire suppression, with low winds during the day and high humidity at night, though Central Oregon Fire noted that some smoke will remain in the area, especially in low-lying areas. 

The fire also weakened area trees, so firefighters will be conducting falling operations to mitigate hazard trees. People should avoid closed areas: Prairie Campground and the Rosland OHV area and associated trails. McKay Crossing Campground, Ogden Group Campground and 6 Mile Sno Park will reopen at noon on Sunday. Deschutes National Forest remains closed. 

Saturday is the last day for the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM)’s Red Team, which was mobilized Tuesday evening. After that, Central Oregon’s Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume full command, Central Oregon Fire said. 

“It’s been an honor to be in unified command with our partners at Central Oregon Fire Management Service,” said OSFM Red Team Incident Commander Ian Yocum in a release Saturday. 

“We are here to protect the people of Oregon to keep fires small and away from communities, and we can support that mission because of the Oregon fire service, and their willingness to answer the call," he continued. "We’re leaving the Darlene 3 Fire in the excellent hands of our wildland partners, and they will continue to provide for the safety of La Pine.”

In response, this week, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek 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 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.

Evacuations, aids

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reduced the evacuation level for Newberry Estates from Level 3 (Go Now) to a Level 2 (Be Set) at noon on Friday. 

All evacuation notices have been lifted for the area west of Highway 97 and north of Burgess Road. 

The La Pine Activity Center remains open for RVs to park, as well as has meals for evacuees and N95 masks. Free N95 and KN95 masks at both La Pine Rural Fire Department fire stations and the department’s administrative building. 

Air quality information can be found at aqi.oregon.gov or by downloading the OregonAir app. 

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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