Bend, Ore. -- A wildfire has broken out about 12.5 miles southeast of Bend off China Hat Road in the area of Arnold Ice Cave. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1 (Get Ready), Level 2 (Get Set), and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices for nearby areas. At this time, no structures are threatened, but the area is a high‑use recreation destination, and the Sheriff's Office is asking people to avoid the area. The fire is burning primarily in sagebrush and juniper at this time.

EVACUATION NOTICES

Level 3 (GO NOW)

• Forest Service Road 18 in the area of Arnold Ice Cave

Level 2 (BE SET)

• Areas west of Highway 20 near Horse Ridge
• Swamp Wells Road in the area of Fuzztail Butte and Swamp Wells Butte

Level 1 (BE READY)

• Fort Rock Road south of Horse Ridge and west of Highway 20

When the Sheriff's Office sends a WEA (Wireless Emergency Alert), it reaches more people. The China Hat area is heavily used for recreation, so there is a high likelihood of tourists and visitors without access to Deschutes Alerts. Sending a WEA ensures we reach anyone who might be in the area or heading there to recreate. 

Residents and recreation users in the affected areas should follow all evacuation guidance from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Fire crews are actively responding, and updates will be provided as conditions change. 

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