Oregon Governor Invokes Emergency Conflagration Act for Darlene 3 Fire

Salem, Oregon- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Darlene 3 Fire burning near La Pine in Deschutes County. The fire, which started around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, is located one mile south of La Pine on the east side of Darlene Way and has quickly grown to an estimated 1000+ acres.

In response to the rapidly expanding fire, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 and Level 2 evacuations for areas near the blaze. The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team has been activated, along with two structural task forces from Linn and Marion counties. Additionally, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is mobilizing four more task forces, which are expected to arrive in the morning.

“This fire has quickly grown within the last few hours, pushed by gusty winds and high fire conditions. The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect life and property,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “As we enter the hot and dry summer months, I am asking Oregonians to do everything they can to prevent wildfires.”

Under ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that the fire poses threats to life, safety, and property, and that these threats exceed the firefighting capabilities of local personnel and equipment. The declaration permits the state fire marshal to mobilize additional firefighters and equipment to support local efforts.

The Oregon State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team, along with task forces from Marion and Linn counties, are en route to the scene.

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