State Fire Marshal Mobilizes Resources for Alder Springs Fire in Jefferson County
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized an incident management team and several structural protection task forces in response to a fast-moving wildfire in Jefferson County.
The Alder Springs Fire, which ignited Monday afternoon on the Crooked River National Grasslands west of Crooked River Ranch, quickly grew to 1,500 acres by 5 p.m. Monday. The fire prompted level 3 evacuations, as wildland firefighters worked on the ground and in the air, utilizing large air tankers and smoke jumpers.
In response, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized two structural task forces late Monday through Immediate Response. On Tuesday morning, the Red Incident Management Team and six additional structural task forces will arrive in Central Oregon.
“This is the second time in the past week that our agency has mobilized resources due to a wildfire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Conditions across Oregon are extremely concerning, especially this early in June. A single spark can lead to a disaster, so it’s crucial to stay wildfire aware.”
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issued level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for areas near the fire. Level 1 evacuations were also issued by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit local authorities' websites.
A shelter has been set up at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond, with additional facilities at Ranch Chapel. Animals can be taken to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds or Over the Edge Taphouse, provided owners bring their own corral.
The OSFM Red Incident Management Team will be briefed at 9 a.m. Tuesday and will take unified command with the Central Oregon Fire Management Service Type 3 Team. For ongoing updates, follow Central Oregon Fire on social media.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes resources through the Emergency Conflagration Act, which is invoked by the governor. The Alder Springs Fire marks the second conflagration of 2025.
