Wildfires in Central and Southern Oregon continue to move through the state's dry land. While some are reaching containment, a few aren't showing any signs of slowing down.
The Bend Bulletin reports Gov. John Kitzhaber declared a state of emergency late Wednesday, and prepared to mobilize the Oregon National Guard if necessary.
“Oregon is facing a severe fire season,” he said in a news release. “This declaration gives the resources and tools we need to respond and protect people, property and Oregon’s natural areas.”
The Buzzard Complex wildfires grew to nearly 190,000 acres and is 20 percent contained. Evacuations are still underway in the area and there are some road closures. All access roads into Warm Springs Reservoir remained closed Thursday.
The Shaniko Butte wildfire on the Warm Spring Indian Reservation reached 20,000 acres Wednesday night. A red flag warning has been issued for the area.
The Pittsburg wildfire north of Pittsburg Landing has covered 7,100 acres as of Wednesday night.
The three fires that make up the Waterman Complex reached 4,319 acres Thursday morning. The fires are 28 percent contained. The Crook County Sheriff’s Department issued evacuation advisories for residents in the area.
The Moccasin Hill wildfire is at 2,535 acres and 35 percent containment.
The Gumboot wildfire north of Riley is about 60 percent contained and covers about 1,600 acres.
The White River wildfire was 80 contained as of Thursday morning. That fire is at 652 acres.
The Sunflower wildfire in Umatilla National Forest near Monument is at 1,200 acres, but so far no structures are threatened.
The Bridge 99 Complex wildfires are two separate fires, which grew to 1,047 acres acres along Green Ridge, east of Camp Sherman. A public meeting will be held at Camp Sherman Community Center at 6 p.m. Thursday for an update on the fires.
The Bingham Complex wildfire near Detroit includes several fires, which cover about 350 acres. None of the fires are threatening structures so far.
In addition to Oregon's fires, Washington state has a number of blazes as well, including one in which authorities asked 900 people to flee.
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