A wildfire named Darlene 3 Fire broke out in central Oregon on June 25, 2024, and rapidly grew to over 1,700 acres by nightfall. The fire prompted evacuations for some areas of Deschutes County due to the spreading blaze. Thousands of residents were left without power as a result of the wildfire.
The Darlene 3 Fire started around noon local time and quickly tripled in size within an hour, according to Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch. The fire was still spreading Tuesday night, and it was not contained shortly after 9 p.m.
Evacuation alerts were issued for approximately 1,100 homes and businesses in La Pine, affecting about 50-60 people. Residents in some areas of Deschutes County were told to evacuate immediately or risk public safety personnel's being unable to help them. People in other nearby areas were told to prepare to evacuate.
Photos and videos posted on social media showed black smoke burning behind several properties, and the U.S. Forest Service shut down and evacuated nearby campgrounds and trails in Deschutes National Forest.
A shelter for evacuees was set up at La Pine High School, while a shelter for livestock and pets was established at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds.
Gov. Tina Kotek invoked Oregon's Emergency Conflagration Act, which allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources to help fight the blaze. Midstate Electric Cooperative told some customers it would most likely enact a public safety shutoff in the area as a result of the fires.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
La Pine is a rural city about 30 miles southwest of Bend, with a population around 2,500. The greater La Pine area has just under 20,000 residents. It was incorporated in 2006 and is the youngest city in Oregon.
The Darlene Fire is not the first time La Pine has experienced wildfires; in 2021, the Darlene Fire burned nearly 700 acres and destroyed two homes, according to NBC affiliate KTVZ of Bend.
Firefighters from regional agencies responded to the blaze and used dozers, helicopters, and aircraft to drop retardant on the fire. La Pine High School served as a temporary evacuation point while La Pine Rodeo Grounds hosted a livestock and small animal shelter.
The wildfire came during hot and dry summer months when officials urged Oregonians to prevent wildfires.
