Big Fire Near Bend Forces Evacuations
New blaze prompts evacuations near Mt. Bachelor, Bend, and Sunriver
Firefighters battling a large, fast-moving wildfire near Bend have ordered evacuations for the Mt. Bachelor area, along with parts of Bend and Sunriver.
The fire, dubbed the Two Bulls Fire, was reported around 1 p.m. on Monday, July 11, and quickly grew to over 1,000 acres by Tuesday morning. It is currently burning about 15 miles southwest of Bend, near the popular Mt. Bachelor ski resort.
The fire is being fueled by hot, dry weather and strong winds, and is burning in heavy timber and brush. Firefighters are having difficulty containing the blaze due to the steep terrain and limited access to water.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has ordered evacuations for the following areas:
- Mt. Bachelor Village
- Sunriver Resort
- Parts of Bend west of Highway 97
Residents in these areas are advised to evacuate immediately. The Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.
The Two Bulls Fire is one of several large wildfires burning in Oregon. The state is currently experiencing its worst wildfire season in history, with over 1 million acres burned so far.
Here are some tips for staying safe during a wildfire:
- Evacuate immediately if ordered to do so.
- Have a plan for where you will go and how you will get there in case of an evacuation.
- Keep important documents and valuables in a safe place.
- Close all windows and doors to keep smoke out of your home.
- Stay informed about the fire and follow the instructions of local officials.
For more information on the Two Bulls Fire, please visit the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office website.
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