Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in the afternoon of June 25, 2024, in response to a wildfire in Deschutes County: the Darlene 3 Fire burning in east Deschutes County near La Pine. The resources necessary for protecting life and property from the Darlene 3 Fire are beyond local capabilities. Assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection was requested by the Tri-County (Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook) Fire Defense Board Chief and the State Fire Marshal concurred with that request.

“This is the first major wildfire of the season prompting approval of the Emergency Conflagration Act to allow urgent deployment of additional resources to our neighbors in Deschutes County,” Governor Kotek said. “The priority of the state is ensuring safety of the families and properties in the region and up-to-date communications on the wildfire as it evolves. Thank you to the local fire district resources, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Forestry, and our federal wildfire protection partners for acting quickly to keep Oregonians safe.

“Wildfire season is here and human caused fires are on the rise. It is incumbent upon all of us to be prepared and to do our part to prevent wildfires. As Oregonians are getting ready to enjoy our state’s beautiful natural lands in celebration of Independence Day, remember to stay wildfire aware and alert.”

In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor’s declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) to support local fire service agencies on scene. This conflagration is declared only for the Darlene 3 Fire threatening structures in Deschutes County.

The Oregon State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team has been mobilized. Along with the local responding agencies, two structural task forces from Marion and Linn counties are headed to the scene and will be on June 26th, at 9 p.m. Four more structural task forces will arrive in the morning.

For the latest on evacuations please check the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office map or follow the agency on social media. For fire information please check out the Central Oregon Fire Info blog or follow Central Oregon Fire Info on social media.