Hidden Forest Fire near Bend, Oregon, sparks evacuations near Arnold Ice Cave in Deschutes County: Map, updates
A fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Hidden Forest Fire has prompted evacuation orders and warnings near Arnold Ice Cave in Deschutes County, Oregon. The fire is estimated at 20 acres.
What we know so far
The fire is burning in the Hidden Forest area southeast of Bend, near the Arnold Ice Cave recreation area. Authorities have urged residents in affected zones to monitor official evacuation notices and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice as fire conditions can change rapidly.
Evacuation alerts
A Level 3: Go Now Evacuation status has been issued for Zones EAS-701 & LAP-569-B.
A Level 2: Be Set status has been issued for Zones LAP-569-A & EAS-702-B.
A Level 1: Be Ready status has been issued for Zone EAS-702-A.
See the evacuation map here.
What authorities said
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on the fire, stating, “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.”