FIRE ALERT: Hidden Forest Fire Burning in Southern Deschutes County, Evacuation Orders Implemented

Update: The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has just released new images from the wildfire burning south of Bend.

From the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office:

EVACUATION NOTICES

Bend, Ore. -- A wildfire has broken out about 12.5 miles southeast of Bend off China Hat Road in the area of Arnold Ice Cave. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1 (Get Ready), Level 2 (Get Set), and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices for nearby areas. At this time, no structures are threatened, but the area is a high‑use recreation destination, and the Sheriff's Office is asking people to avoid the area. The fire is burning primarily in sagebrush and juniper at this time.

Level 3 (GO NOW)

• Forest Service Road 18 in the area of Arnold Ice Cave

Level 2 (BE SET)

• Areas west of Highway 20 near Horse Ridge
• Swamp Wells Road in the area of Fuzztail Butte and Swamp Wells Butte

Level 1 (BE READY)

• Fort Rock Road south of Horse Ridge and west of Highway 20

Residents and recreation users in the affected areas should follow all evacuation guidance from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Fire crews are actively responding, and updates will be provided as conditions change.