PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Long Bend Fire continues to burn near Maupin and is only 5% contained as of Monday morning, according to Central Oregon Fire.
The fire began Saturday afternoon and grew to 1,000 acres – or 1.5 square miles – on Sunday. Officials currently estimate the fire to be 1,024 acres.
Most of the wildfire’s growth took place in the Wapinitia Canyon area, and fire crews say the flames continue to impact the area two miles southwest of Maupin on the west side of the Deschutes River.
Emergency officials issued a Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice on Sunday afternoon that continues to impact the area Harpham Flat Campground and Wapinitia Campground. The fire initially impacted residences south of Highway 216 from Natural Pasture Road to Blue Rock Road and east of Reservation Road and south of Highway 216 to Natural Pasture Road.
Officials still encourage any boaters in the area to “be careful as helicopters may be dipping water out of the river.”
“Today, firefighters will look for opportunities to engage the fire directly along Wapinitia Creek,” according to Central Oregon Fire. “Crews will also focus on patrolling and extinguishing sources of heat along the fire perimeter to secure control lines. Aircraft will assist ground resources as needed by dropping water to help cool hot spots.”
The cause of the fire remains unclear. An investigation is ongoing.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
