Here’s why you received a Wireless Emergency Alert in Deschutes County on Friday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office issued a Wireless Emergency Alert on Friday due to the Hidden Forest Fire.

At this time, all evacuation levels are in place due to the wildfire.

In a Facebook post, the sheriff's office addressed why residents in other parts of the county recieved the alert.

"When the Sheriff's Office sends a WEA (Wireless Emergency Alert), it reaches more people. The China Hat area is heavily used for recreation, so there is a high likelihood of tourists and visitors without access to Deschutes Alerts. Sending a WEA ensures we reach anyone who might be in the area or heading there to recreate."

The Wireless Emergency Alert system was implemented in 2012 by the FCC and FEMA. According to both agencies, the system can send emergency warnings directly to mobile devices, in this case an evacuation order.