Officials issued evacuation orders Tuesday after a fast-growing wildfire broke out near Friend, Oregon.

The Larch Creek Fire, south of The Dalles, was estimated to be over 7,000 acres as of Wednesday morning. The perimeter was listed as 0% contained.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 - “Go Now!” evacuation order from Clark Miller Road east to Elliott Road, and from Kingley-Friend Market Road to the north, down to Badger Creek Road.

A Level 2 - “Be Set” notice was issued from McCorkle Road south to Happy Ridge Road, and from J Hix Road to Forest Service Road 2700.

Other residents in and around Tygh Valley are under a Level 1 – “Be Ready” notice.

The area remains under a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather. On Tuesday, temperatures reached 107 degrees. Gusty winds are expected to continue into Wednesday.

”The heat wave that has gripped Oregon significantly increased the fire danger across the state. The continued hot, dry conditions, and gusty winds are a dangerous combination,” Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema said. “I am asking everyone to do what they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”

Tuesday night, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the fire which allows the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to protect life and property.

The Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter at Maupin High School. People looking to shelter their livestock are encouraged to visit the Wasco County Fairgrounds.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.