Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has declared an emergency conflagration for a wildfire burning in Wasco County that is threatening the Pine Grove community.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office announced Level 3 evacuations for 108 homes along Highway 216, where the White River Fire is burning, Thursday night. Nearly 200 additional homes are under Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation orders, meaning they should be preparing to evacuate if necessary.
“This month, firefighting resources have been stretched to deal with 11 large wildfires,” said Brown in a statement. “I am asking all Oregonians to remain vigilant with any activity that could spark a wildfire. We all need to do our part to help the many firefighters who are on the frontlines by preventing human-caused wildfires during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The governor’s declaration authorizes the use of additional state resources to help fight the fire.
Firefighters working on the White River Fire in Wasco County, Ore., pause while walking on Forest Service Road 48 on Wednesday, Aug 26, 2020.
Inciweb.gov
The lightning-caused blaze was discovered Aug. 17, has burned more than 4,000 acres (1,618 hectares) and is 10% contained as of Friday morning.
Earlier this week a firefighting helicopter pilot died in a crash while working the White River Fire.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.