Oregon wildfires: Fast-growing Darlene 3 fire burns over 2,400 acres prompting evacuations

A massive wildfire had charred more than 2,415 acres in central Oregon as of Wednesday morning, a rapid increase from 1,700 acres Tuesday evening, authorities said.

The Darlene 3 Fire was 30% contained overnight after it prompted evacuations for nearby residents Tuesday afternoon, campground closures and the state's Emergency Conflagration Act, according to Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple.

"The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect life and property," Ruiz-Temple said in a news release. "This fire has quickly grown within the last few hours, pushed by gusty winds and high fire conditions."

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office posted photos and videos of a huge plume of dark smoke rising over homes and forest.

'Go now' evacuation order in place

A level 3 evacuation order — meaning “go now” — remains in place on the east side of town and east of Highway 97. An evacuation map can be found here. By late Wednesday morning, a level 1 evacuation (get ready) was issued for the west side of Highway 97.

"Winds and warm temperatures this afternoon are expected and will test established lines," Central Oregon Fire Information said. "Today’s focus will be to keep the fire within its current footprint and strengthening the lines with dozers, handcrews and engines. Air resources will continue to engage with the fire as needed."

The Darlene 3 Fire is one of several active wildfires blazing across the state.

Ruiz-Temple urged Oregonians to do "everything they can do to prevent wildfires" amidst the current hot and dry months of the summer.

Long Bend Fire reaches 60% containment

Firefighters have increased containment to 60% on the Long Bend Fire located roughly 2 miles southwest of Wasco County town Maupin on the west side of the Deschutes River. The fire was listed at 1,024 acres on Wednesday.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office reduced the evacuation notice to level 1 — meaning “get ready” — for a large swath of the impacted area.

Additionally, the Deschutes River closure from Harpham Flat Campground to Maupin has been lifted and the two campgrounds have reopened.  

Strong progress on Upper Applegate Fire

Progress continued Tuesday on containing the Upper Applegate Fire burning in southern Oregon south of Jacksonville, which was reported at 890 acres. Level 2 evacuation warnings were in effect south of the small town of Ruch in Jackson County.

Fire crews are conducting controlled burns around the edges of the fire to limit its fuel in the surrounding areas.

“Overnight, crews were able to conduct burning operations on the eastern edge of the fire. These efforts help bring the fire edge to the indirect lines established around the fire,” a morning report said. “Mop up efforts continue along the southern portion of the fire.”

But hours later officials wrote that it spread outside fire lines, prompting the efforts that ensued.

Oregon fires map

US Wildfire, smoke map

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY