A wildfire driven by strong winds has erupted in Crook County, prompting urgent evacuation orders for residents south of Prineville. The blaze, known as the Highland Fire, was first reported on Saturday afternoon. By 4:30 p.m., authorities escalated to Level 3: Go Now evacuation orders for those in immediate danger, while Level 1 and 2 alerts remain in effect for surrounding areas.
The fire has been identified as burning in the Juniper Canyon and Davis Road region, and as of Saturday evening, it remains uncontained, raising concerns for local residents and emergency services alike.
In a significant response to the fire, Governor Kotek declared a conflagration around 8 p.m., which empowers the state fire marshal to mobilize additional resources to protect homes in the affected areas. This invocation marks the fifth instance of the Emergency Conflagration Act being used in Oregon in 2025, underscoring the ongoing challenges the state faces in dealing with wildfires.
An initial firefighting team is already on the ground with more personnel set to arrive on Sunday morning. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Crook County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page for the latest developments and safety information.
This wildfire highlights the ongoing impact of climate conditions and the necessity for rapid response measures. Communities are urged to stay alert and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
Though the situation is dire, the mobilization of more resources signifies a proactive approach to combating the fire, providing some hope that the combined efforts of state and local agencies will lead to effective containment in the coming days.