Alder Springs Fire in Central Oregon was human-caused, officials say
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Officials announced Thursday that the Alder Springs Fire burning in Jefferson and Deschutes counties was human-caused.
The Central Oregon Incident Management Team says that investigators are pursuing active leads, but no charges have been filed.
The Alder Springs Fire sparked on Monday, prompting multiple evacuations as the flames quickly spread to 2,500 acres.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds on Tuesday to fight the fire after determining that the wildfire could cause enough destruction to constitute a major disaster.
“This is the second time our agency has mobilized resources in the last week because of a wildfire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The conditions we are seeing across Oregon are extremely concerning, especially in early June. It only takes a spark to cause a disaster, so be wildfire aware.”
As of Thursday night, the fire is 40% contained.