Roads Closing Near Bend Over Oregon Wildfire

Highway 20 is open but moving slowly, two other highways are evacuation routes from this part of Central Oregon.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski at the last Black Butte Fire Photo by: Tim King

(BLACK BUTTE, Ore.) - Evacuations have been ordered in the Black Butte area near Bend, Oregon over a wildland fire that had already burned 5,400 acres by this morning.

Carol Cushing with the Central Oregon Incident Management Team says 1,200 residences are on the evacuation list.

The Level 3 fire evacuation order was issued by the Douglas County Sheriff at 2:30 PM, primary to fire behavior and public safety.

Cushing says residents should be calm, "a lot of the long term residents already are familiar with fire conditions here," she added.

Peter Murphy with the Oregon Department of Transportation says road crews are putting up traffic control signs on Highway 20.

Cushing adds that at this time, Highway 20 is not restricted or closed, "But travelers need to expect some delays," she added.

She also pointed out that Highway 58 and Highway 26 are open evacuation routes from the Bend area.

We will bring you more information on the fire as it develops.