A wildfire in Oregon’s high desert, near the vacation destination of Bend, has rapidly grown to nearly 4 square miles. The Darlene 3 wildfire, burning on the outskirts of La Pine, has prompted evacuations of hundreds of homes in the area known for its outdoor activities like microbreweries, hiking, river rafting, and skiing on Mount Bachelor. The fire, 30% contained, spread quickly with strong winds fueling the flames.
Evacuation alerts were issued for 1,100 homes and businesses, with about 50-60 people seeking refuge at a local high school serving as an evacuation center. The possibility of structures burning is still unknown, but residents are taking precautionary measures to pack up and leave their homes. The owner of Meandering Maker Mercantile, Jodi Kerr, expressed concerns about losing businesses that have been built over the years due to the fire’s threat.
The cause of the fire, which started about a mile south of La Pine, is under investigation. Central Oregon Fire Management Service firefighters are using heavy construction equipment to establish control lines around the blaze. Aircrafts are also dropping fire retardant to slow the spread of flames. Evacuation points have been set up at La Pine High School and La Pine Rodeo Grounds to ensure the safety of residents and their animals.
In other parts of the country, wildfires have been wreaking havoc. In New Mexico, thousands of people had to flee their homes as fast-moving wildfires approached their village. Search and rescue teams have been working to clear properties in the affected areas. In California, a group of wildfires, including the Fresno June Lightning Complex, have covered nearly 11 square miles in rural Fresno County. Firefighters have been working to contain the blazes and mitigate further spread.
In Southern California, evacuation orders were lifted for about 2,500 residents after firefighters were able to stop a fire’s spread near Torrey Pines State Beach. Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion during the battle. In Northern California, a fire that threatened the community of Palermo lost momentum as weather conditions improved, allowing residents to return home. The widespread wildfires demonstrate the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters and residents in various parts of the country.
