LA PINE, OR -- A wildfire the broke out near La Pine Wednesday, forced evacuations in the area. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office issued a Level Three (Go Now) order for Loop Drive, Walker Road, Forest Road, Faun Court and Prairie View Drive in the Lazy River Subdivision, north of Burgess Road. Officials say there is immediate and imminent danger and residents should leave as quickly as possible. Deputies are assisting people and drivers should watch for emergency crews in the area.
The incident started as a brush fire on Bridge Drive, around 3 p.m. There are reports at least one home has been destroyed on Loop Drive, although that has not been confirmed, with others threatened.
The Red Cross is establishing an emergency shelter at the La Pine Community Center, for those impacted by the fire.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.
UPDATE (4:30 p.m.): According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the incident is now called the Bridge Drive Fire and is estimated at about 8 acres in size. Numerous resources are on scene, including a tanker from the Redmond base.
UPDATE (5:15 p.m.): DCSO says preliminary information indicates one residence has been destroyed with other still threatened. Crews have stopped the fire's forward progress but evacuation orders remain in place. The fire is now estimated at 10 acres.
UPDATE (05/09/2019 5 a.m.): The evacuation level was reduced from Three to One - or "be ready" - at 7:30 p.m., and residents were allowed to return home. As of Wednesday night, the Bridge Drive Fire was mapped at just under 12 acres. A Department of Forestry Engine and water tender remained on scene overnight.
Officials say crews were dispatched to the Lazy River Subdivision at about 2:30 p.m., Wednsday, and found the fire burning in small timber, brush and grass. Local, state and federal wildfire resources responded from all over the region; they stopped its forward progress around 5 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
UPDATE (05/09/2019 11:35 a.m.): The Oregon Department of Forestry says Wednesday's fire that destroyed a home near La Pine started with a debris burn in a neighbor's backyard. Crews remain on scene Thursday, mopping up the 12-acre fire.
