Darlene 3 Fire in Deschutes County was 'human caused', officials say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An ongoing investigation into the Darlene 3 Fire that blackened parts of Deschutes County last week has found the 3,000-acre inferno was "human caused."

The fire, which is 75% contained as of Monday morning, first began on Tuesday, June 24 -- though officials with Central Oregon Fire told KOIN 6 News the exact cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed.

The fire is currently listed at 3,889 acres, or roughly 6 square miles. However, the fire’s containment went up by 25% since Saturday morning, according to Central Oregon Fire. 

Officials said it was thanks to “cooler than normal temperatures, low winds during the day, and high humidity at night.”

Firefighters have continued to focus on full containment with support from drones checking for hot spots within 100 feet of the fire’s perimeter.

As of Sunday morning, a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation order remains in effect for the Newberry Estates area as well as east of Highway 97. Meanwhile, evacuation notices have been lifted for the areas west of Highway 97 and north of Burgess Road. 

Up-to-date evacuation information can be found via the Deschutes County Emergency Information website.

“For the safety of firefighters and the public, the public is urged to respect the closure area as firefighters continue falling weakened trees throughout the fire area and finish mop-up operations,” officials said.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.