SHERMAN COUNTY, Ore. (KOIN) — Authorities in Wasco County said a criminal investigation is underway in relation to the Substation Fire, which has grown to 50,000 acres since Tuesday.

When asked about the cause of the fire during a wildfire briefing Thursday, Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, “Clearly, you’re hearing this is a likelihood of arson, so our agencies are going to help in that investigation.”

The possibility that the fire may have been human-caused has not been ruled out by investigators, however, they’re looking into all possibilities. 

“The sheriff’s office understands you have a many questions regarding the ongoing criminal investigation related to the Substation Fire, however, answering those questions at this time can potentially compromise our active investigation,” Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill said during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon. 

Oregon State Police have established a tip line for anyone with information that may help the investigation: 1.800.452.7888.

Officials said this fire is now considered the number 1 fire in the nation, which means additional resources are being used to fight it. As of Thursday afternoon, 217 firefighters from 73 agencies in Oregon are working on the Substation Fire. 

Wind gusts are likely to be in the 30 mile an hour range, similar to Wednesday. There is a Red Flag Warning in place in the area until Thursday night, with rapid fire spread expected.

Brown has declared a state of emergency prompting the Oregon National Guard to be activated.

Gov. Brown addresses the impact of the Substation Fire

The Substation Fire is burning in close proximity to Oregon’s wheat belt in Sherman and Wasco Counties. Wheat is a top 10 Oregon commodity and the number one state export crop.

“You basically are starting in Wasco and Sherman Counties and working east to Baker County and that’s a big wheat area — very, very important to the export market for Oregon,” Jim Johnson with the Oregon Department of Agriculture said. “It’s an export commodity and it’s a situation in international trade that can be huge.”

Also on Thursday, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office identified the man who was found dead near his burned tractor Wednesday as 64-year-old John Ruby.

The longtime Wasco County resident was trying to protect his neighbor’s property by creating a fire line. Deputies believe he died as a result of being exposed to the fire.

Friends of Ruby’s described as incredibly caring and generous.

The following areas are on level 3 evacuation notices — go now

  • Residents on both sides of Eight Mile to Emerson Loop and Eight Mile to to 15 mile Junction
  • All of Wrentham Market Road and Mason Road
  • Everyone on Fifteen Mile Road, McCoy Road, Moody Road, Fulton Road, Kloan Road, Freebridge Road, Kelly Cutoff Road and all points in between
  • Shearer’s Falls to Macks Canyon 
  • Macks Canyon to the Mouth of the Deschutes River
  • The City of Moro

There is a level two evacuation notice in Sherman County for Grass Valley and the surrounding areas after the fire jumped the Deschutes River. The City of Wasco is also at a level 2.

Segments 3 and 4 of the lower Deschutes River are closed. That’s the section from the Columbia River south to Buckhollow. 

Highway 30 WB between Celilo and Biggs Junction is closed due to the fire. 

Officials are warning anyone driving in the area that smoke causes low visibility and they should keep headlights on and stay far back from other cars on the road. 

The Red Cross has set up at the Dalles Middle School. Call 888.680.1455 for community assistance.