Central Oregon fire burns 700 acres near Madras

A wildfire that broke out Saturday along Highway 97 near Madras has grown to 700 acres and is now 30 percent contained, officials said.

The fire started on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management, about 6 miles northwest of Willowdale, and is fueled by grass, brush and juniper. Authorities say the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Central Oregon fire came six days after the Department of Forestry announced fire season in the region. Fire managers were optimistic about the fire season because of the heavy snowpack this year, but rising temperatures, combined with less spring rains and windy conditions, are now causing them to take a break, said forestry officials.

The U.S. Forest Service and Jefferson County are helping the Bureau of Land Management respond and contain the disaster using fire trucks, a helicopter, three air tankers and various other resources, officials said.

In a post on its X account, Central Oregon Fire said cooler overnight temperatures helped firefighters contain the flames to 30% Sunday morning.

— David Nuñez covers breaking news and public safety for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Contact him at 503-294-7607 or [email protected].

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