(Update: Latest information)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new wildfire broke out late Saturday afternoon southeast of Prineville and grew to about 15200 acres in a matter of hours, threatening homes and prompting numerous evacuations in the Juniper Canyon area.
The Highland Fire was reported around 4 p.m. near SE Markand Highland Road, with Level 3 GO NOW, Level 2 GET SET and Level 1 GET READY evacuations in effect.
Firefighters from the BLM and Forest Service joined Crook County Fire and Rescue in responding to the fire, according to Central Oregon Fire Info on X.
On Saturday evening, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized their Blue Incident Management Team and three structural task forces to the Highland Fire in Crook County south of Prineville. One task force was sent earlier on Saturday through Immediate Response.
“Fire conditions are affecting much of the state with little relief in the forecast,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We are asking all Oregonians to be aware of the conditions and do everything they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”
A conflagration was invoked by Governor Kotek on Saturday evening, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize structural protection resources.
Follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office for the latest evacuation information. See the evacuation map here. Watch Duty’s latest updates on the fire can be found here.
Eastside Church is available as an evacuation shelter.
Large Animal Shelter: Rim Rock Riders will be opening up the arena at Brasada Ranch, 16976 SW Brasada Ranch Rd, Powell Butte, OR. Please contact Kerri Jo Talburt at 541-980-7911 to make arrangements.
From Sheriff John Gautney:
The Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and fire suppression units from state and federal agencies are fighting a large uncontained fire in the Juniper Canyon/ Davis Road area of Crook County, south of Prineville. Evacuation orders have been issued for areas between Juniper Canyon Road and Davis Road.
These levels can change at a moment’s notice. Download WATCH DUTY or follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook for live updates.
The evacuation shelter is located at the Eastside Church on NE 3rd Street at the east end of Prineville.
The livestock evacuation center is at Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte.
Please, we are asking the public to stay out of the area and allow those who need to evacuate access to the roadways. If you are not actively helping with animal and people evacuation, STAY OUT of the area.
Fire suppression cannot occur if they are unable to pass through the traffic, so please stay out of the area.
Further updates are available on WATCH DUTY app or on the Crook County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. We are updating those sources as fast as information is coming in.