FIRE ALERT: Residents react as Riverview fire settles at 12 acres
UPDATE: Fire crews contained a 12-acre wildfire in La Pine on Tuesday afternoon after the blaze threatened hundreds of homes and jumped the Little Deschutes River.
The Riverview Fire was first reported at 2:15 p.m., and its spread was mostly halted by 5 p.m.
Approximately 362 structures were threatened by the fire, which prompted local evacuations.
About 40 firefighters from seven different agencies responded to the scene to protect property and establish containment lines.
The fire crossed the Little Deschutes River and moved toward the east. While rivers and waterways often act as natural barriers against wildfires, the flames moved across the water and into the surrounding bitbrush.
Before the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders, some residents used garden hoses to wet down the hillsides and vegetation near their homes. The sheriff began evacuations once the fire reached the edge of the river.
The Riverview Fire occurred amid regional concerns regarding a lack of significant snowfall. A small snowpack this winter has led to fears that the area will experience larger fires during the upcoming season.
Most of the personnel were released from the scene by 6 p.m.
Crews will monitor the burn area through the late hours of Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. Personnel will continue to patrol the perimeter to ensure no new spots ignite.
UPDATE: Watch Duty: All evacuation orders throughout the area have been lifted.
UPDATE: According to the La Pine Rural Fire District, the riverview fire is now in mop-up. 232 structures were at level 1 evacuation orders and 131 were in level 3 evacuations. The cause is still under investigation. An estimated 40-50 firefighters from 10 agencies responded along with law enforcement and emergency management.
UPDATE: Watch Duty: The Temporary Evacuation Point has been changed from the La Pine Senior Activity Center to La Pine High School. Residents who have evacuated their homes and need a temporary place to stay are encouraged to visit La Pine High School at 51633 Coach Road.
Fire behavior has moderated on the Riverview Fire near La Pine, and the fire's spread has slowed. There is a large number of resources on the scene. The Level 3 and Level 1 Evacuation Orders will remain in place until the winds die down and concerns about further spread of the fire subside.
Per the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Oregon Facebook page.
UPDATE: Watch Duty: The fire has now been estimated at 20 acres, per the National Interagency Fire Center. Continue following this web article for the very latest information.
The La Pine Activity Center has been established as a temporary evacuation point for people needing to evacuate. It’s located at 16450 Victory Way in La Pine.
A Level 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation notice has been issued for Timber Lane Loop, Riverview Drive, Bridge Drive, and homes along the Little Deschutes River. This area is located north of Burgess Road and west of Huntington Road, east of Forest Road, and south of Elk Court and Deer Run Lane.
A Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice has been issued for the neighborhood north of Burgess, east of Huntington Road, and west of Hwy 97. This includes Cagle Road, Railroad Street, Skidgel Road, Antler Lane, Doe Lane, Pine Drive, Pine Place, Ash Drive, Oak Drive, Elm Drive, Santa Barbara Drive, and Murray Drive.
UPDATE: Watch Duty: The La Pine Activity Center has been established as a temporary evacuation point for people needing to evacuate. It's located at 16450 Victory Way in La Pine. Per Deschutes County Sheriff's Office on Facebook.
UPDATE: Watch Duty: A Level 3 Go Now Evacuation Notice has been issued for Timber Lane Loop, Riverview Dr, Bridge Dr, homes along the Little Deschutes River. The area is depicted above, per Deschutes Alerts via Everbridge. See an interactive version of this evacuation map at this link.
LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3 evacuation alert due to a grass fire burning north of downtown La Pine.
The fire is approximately 10-15 acres, per radio traffic, per Watch Duty.
Watch Duty: A Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notice has been issued for the neighborhood North of Burgess, East of Huntington Rd and West of Hwy 97, per Deschutes Alerts via Everbridge.
A Level 3 Go Now Evacuation Notice has been issued for Timber Lane Loop and the area depicted above, per Deschutes Alerts via Everbridge. See an interactive version of this evacuation map at this link.
