A wind-driven wildfire that ignited on Tuesday in Central Oregon spread overnight to 1,700 acres and was threatening homes as residents were ordered to evacuate, officials said.
The Darlene 3 Fire burning in Deschutes County was 0% contained early Wednesday, according to the Central Oregon Fire Management Service.
The blaze started about 2 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Fanned by gusty winds, the blaze quickly spread through a pine forest near homes in La Pine, a small town of about 2,500 people in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, officials said.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office ordered some residents on the southeast side of La Pine to evacuate. Shelters were opened at a local high school and the La Pine Rodeo Grounds, officials said.
Lt. Jayson Janes of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said evacuation alerts were sent to 1,100 homes and businesses.