Gusty winds help spread fast growing central Oregon wildfire and prompt evacuations

LA PINE, Oregon (AP) — A rapidly growing wildfire near the central Oregon community of La Pine is being spurred by gusty winds and prompting evacuations. The Deschutes County Sherriff’s Office says evacuation alerts were sent to 1,100 homes and businesses. About 50-60 people sought refuge at a local high school serving as an evacuation center. Central Oregon Fire Information says the fire was estimated to be 2.7 square miles late Tuesday. Gov. Tina Kotek invoked an order allowing the fire marshal to mobilize resources to help fight the blaze. Firefighters used heavy equipment to establish control lines around the fire. Aircraft dropped fire retardant to slow the blaze’s spread.