Some residents near the Darlene 3 Fire in La Pine are being allowed to return home.
On Friday afternoon, the Deschutes County Sheriff's office changed the Newberry Estates Subdivision from a Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation to a Level 2 - BE SET evacuation.
A rural area east of La Pine remains on a Level 3 evacuation. Other areas of La Pine remained under a Level 2 evacuation. Meanwhile, a small section of La Pine east of Highway 97 that had been under a Level 1 — BE READY — evacuation had all evacuation levels removed.
The Sheriff’s office said the decision was made in consultation with fire managers.
They urged residents to monitor conditions and be prepared to leave again at a moment’s notice.
The Darlene 3 Fire started Tuesday. As of Saturday morning, the blaze was 3,889 acres and 50% contained.
Major highways through the La Pine area, including U.S. 97, are open. Local roads in the Level 3 evacuation zone remain closed.
