Central Oregon — A thunderstorm passed through portions of Central Oregon last night which sparked multiple new fires. Central Oregon Fire Management Service resources responded to over 13 new smoke reports yesterday evening. Firefighters were busy throughout the night finding and fighting these new starts. Currently, the largest of the fires are the Elk Lane Fire, Bennett Fire, and Wildhorse Fire.
Elk Lane Fire (604):
The Elk Lane Fire started approximately 7 miles northwest of Madras, OR and has grown to 2,700 acres. A Central Oregon Type 3 Team was ordered to take over management of the fire. They were in-briefed this morning and have now assumed command of the fire. Last night, successful firing operations held the fire from moving further south and southwest towards structures. The fire has burned into the Deschutes River Canyon but remains on the east side of the river. Structures remain threatened and evacuation notices are in place.
The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is a temporary evacuation site, and the Red Cross is on scene. For the most up to date evacuation information in Jefferson County visit, https://tinyurl.com/mte4e75m
Bennett Fire (596):
The Bennett Fire started approximately 5 miles northeast of Antelope, OR and is estimated to be around 400 acres. Wasco County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notice for the town of Antelope. Fire fighters worked hard through the night and will continue to construct control line around the fire today.
The Shaniko Schoolhouse is the temporary shelter site for evacuees. For the most up to date evacuation information in Wasco County visit, https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
Wildhorse Fire (598):
The Wildhorse Fire started roughly 10 miles south of Spray, OR and was reported to be approximately 60 acres last night. The fire is burning on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) land in difficult terrain northeast of Tamarack Creek. Multiple hand crews, a helitack crew, a taskforce of engines, and additional ODF resources have responded and are currently working the fire.
Find the latest information on the Wildhorse Fire on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon or X/Twitter account, @ODF_COD.
For the current air quality in your area visit, https://www.airnow.gov/.
Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.
