BEND, Ore. — A new wildfire burning just north of Bend, called the Mile Marker 132 Fire, has prompted the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to issue Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations Friday afternoon.
As of Saturday, Level 3 evacuation orders are in place for the Juniper Ridge areas east of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tracks, as well as north of the city limits to the COID power generation facility. Level 2 warnings are in place for the east side of Highway 97 from the city limits north to Beechcraft Lane and west of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tracks, as well as residential areas north of Cooley Road between Northeast 18th Street and Highway 97. Level 1 notices are in place for Northeast 18th, Talus Place and residents along the west side of Deschutes Market Road.
Around 8:45 p.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office said that a temporary evacuation point at Mountain View High School had been closed due to lack of need.
In a tweet, the city of Bend described the blaze as a 20-acre wildfire in the Juniper Ridge area. Many law enforcement and fire agencies are working on the fire, the city said, including aircraft and fire vehicles attempting to extinguish it.
At around 8 p.m., Central Oregon Fire Info tweeted that the crews had managed to stop the "forward progression" of the fire and had switched to a mop-up phase, and all aircraft released from the scene.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office later, on Saturday, adjusted evacuation levels around the fire.
Here's what evacuation levels mean
Level 1 Notice - Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Level 2 Notice - Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment's notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Level 3 Notice - Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.
This is a developing story and may be updated when more information is made available.
