Gusty winds fueled a rapidly growing wildfire in central Oregon, the latest blaze to erupt in the US west as high temperatures envelop the region.
The fire broke out just outside the community of La Pine, in central Oregon, on Tuesday and rapidly grew to 2,415 acres (9.7 sq km) by Wednesday morning. Fire crews were able to get 30% containment on the blaze, officials reported on Wednesday, but winds continued to threaten progress.
Evacuation alerts were sent to more than 1,000 homes and businesses as a billowing plume of black and grey smoke loomed over local businesses. La Pine, located about 30 miles south of Bend, is a popular destination area best known for its microbreweries, hiking, river rafting and skiing on nearby Mount Bachelor.
Jodi Kerr, the owner of a home decor and gift store in La Pine, was packing up her store on Tuesday afternoon so she could evacuate. “It’s part of the risk of living in an area like this. It’s beautiful, but it’s wild,” said Kerr.
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