THE DALLES, Ore. — A new wildfire burning near The Dalles near Highway 197 south of Interstate 84 has burned nearly 1,000 acres and prompted road closures and evacuation orders for some residents.
The Oregon State Fire Marshall's Office (OSFM) said the fire, called the Sunset Valley Fire, moved southeast Thursday night, away from the city. The fire burned 987 acres, according to OSFM.
Sky 8 flew over what appeared to be a small building that was destroyed. OSFM reported Friday morning that a barn, several outbuildings, multiple vehicles and a portion of a local cherry orchard burned in the fire. No homes were burned and no injuries have been reported.
Gov. Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to make more state resources available to fire crews.
Parts of Highway 197 were closed Thursday night, but were back open Friday morning. OSFM said firefighters will spend Friday mopping up hot spots, monitoring the perimeter of the fire and expanding defensible space around homes. Winds are expected to increase in the afternoon, though they aren't forecasted to be as strong as recent days.
The Wasco County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) said a level 2 "Get Set" evacuation order is in effect for people living on the following streets as of 8 p.m. People living on these streets were previously under a level 3 "Go Now" order:
- Valley View Road
- Old Dufur Road to 13th Street
- Benson Road
- 8 Mile/197 to 8 Mile/Emerson Loop
The sheriff's office said a level 1 "be ready" evacuation order is in effect for all of Lambert Street.
For the latest evacuation level updates, follow WCSO on Facebook.
Firefighters are already battling a fire that broke out on Tuesday near Wrentham Road southeast of The Dalles. As of Thursday, the fire, now named the Wrentham Market Fire, has burned an estimated 10,000 acres. Deputies said it is about 38% contained.