Central Oregon Wildfires Prompt Evacuations, Close Mt. Bachelor Resort

80-Acre Wildfire West of Mt. Bachelor Closes Resort, Prompts Evacuations

An 80-acre wildfire burning west of Mt. Bachelor has closed the resort and prompted evacuations for nearby communities, officials said Thursday.

The fire, dubbed the Two Bulls Fire, was reported around 1 p.m. Thursday and quickly spread, fanned by high winds, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.

The fire has forced the closure of Mt. Bachelor ski resort and prompted evacuations for the communities of Mount Bachelor Village, Benham Falls, and Century Drive. Evacuation orders were also issued for the area west of Century Drive to the Deschutes County line.

Blaze South of Pine Mountain Now Over 3,000 Acres

Meanwhile, a wildfire burning south of Pine Mountain has grown to over 3,000 acres and is threatening homes and infrastructure, officials said Thursday.

The fire, dubbed the Cougar Peak Fire, was reported around 11 a.m. Thursday and has since spread rapidly, fanned by high winds and dry conditions.

The fire has prompted evacuations for the communities of Crescent, Gilchrist, and Silver Lake. Evacuation orders were also issued for the area south of Pine Mountain to the Klamath County line.

Evacuations and Road Closures

Residents in affected areas are being urged to evacuate immediately. Evacuation centers have been set up at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond and the Klamath County Fairgrounds in Klamath Falls.

Several roads have been closed due to the fires, including Highway 97 between Bend and La Pine, Highway 126 between McKenzie Bridge and Sisters, and Highway 31 between Crescent and Gilchrist.

Firefighting Efforts

Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the blazes, but strong winds and dry conditions are making their efforts difficult.

Air tankers and helicopters are being used to drop water and fire retardant on the fires, but the smoke and haze are hampering their efforts.

Stay Informed

Residents are urged to stay informed about the latest fire conditions and evacuation orders by visiting the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office website or the Klamath County Sheriff's Office website.

They can also sign up for emergency alerts by texting "DCSO" to 888777 or "KCSO" to 888777.