Darlene 3 Fire Causes Evacuations and Power Outages in Central Oregon

On Tuesday afternoon, a wildfire named the Darlene 3 Fire erupted on the outskirts of La Pine in Deschutes County, Central Oregon. Within the span of three hours, the fire swelled to over 250 acres, prompting evacuations and causing widespread power outages for thousands of residents.

Regional firefighters were swiftly mobilized to combat the rapidly expanding wildfire, which continued to spread throughout the evening. The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch reported that the fire, initially estimated to cover 3 to 5 acres, had ballooned to more than 250 acres by nightfall. By 7:30 p.m., it remained uncontained.

Evacuation Orders and Response

Residents in certain parts of Deschutes County were instructed to evacuate immediately to ensure their safety, while those in nearby areas were advised to prepare for potential evacuation. The situation was deemed critical, with public safety personnel urging swift compliance to facilitate rescue efforts.

The wildfire's impact extended beyond the immediate danger, as the U.S. Forest Service closed and evacuated adjacent campgrounds and trails within the Deschutes National Forest. Furthermore, a significant number of individuals, exceeding 2,000, found themselves without power due to the blaze, leading the local electric utility company to consider implementing public safety shutoff measures.

Government Response

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the state's Emergency Conflagration Act, authorizing the fire marshal to deploy the full resources of the Oregon fire service to safeguard lives and property in the affected area.

In response to the escalating crisis, a shelter for evacuees was established at La Pine High School, while arrangements were made for the care of livestock and pets at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds. Meanwhile, the cause of the wildfire remained under investigation, with authorities working to determine its origin and factors contributing to its rapid spread.

Historical Context

The name of the fire, Darlene 3, alludes to the region's history of grappling with wildfires. Notably, in 2021, the Darlene Fire ravaged nearly 700 acres and resulted in the destruction of two homes. This recurrence underscores the persistent threat posed by wildfires in the area.

La Pine, situated approximately 30 miles southwest of Bend, Oregon, is a rural city with a population of around 2,500. However, the broader La Pine area encompasses nearly 20,000 residents, making it a significant community. Notably, La Pine earned the distinction of being the "youngest" city in Oregon, having been incorporated in 2006.