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FEMA: Miller Road fire threatens to become ‘major disaster’

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Evacuations orders are still in effect for Wasco County, Oregon, as the Miller Road fire doubled in size overnight, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

The fire, which started Tuesday afternoon, has grown to an estimated 10,500 acres, officials said Wednesday afternoon. In a release earlier Wednesday, the NWCC reported the fire had grown from 1,000 acres to 2,000. Officials said there is 0% containment.

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, the cause of the fire is under investigation, but noted the fire is wind-driven.

FEMA announced on Wednesday that it would direct federal funds to fight the fire, which officials said threatened to cause “a major disaster.” The money would go toward the costs fire agencies are incurring and could cover field camps, equipment, repair and mobilization.

On Tuesday, the Oregon State Fire Marshal announced Governor Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to mobilize fire crews to help battle the fire.

“With many fires actively burning across the state and several weeks of peak fire season ahead of us, I am urging all Oregonians to be prepared and do their part to help prevent wildfires – just one spark can light a fire that will quickly spread,” said Gov. Brown. “Please continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations and share what you know with others. Every fire we prevent helps us keep our communities and firefighters safe, and our natural resources protected.”

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A Level 3 “GET OUT NOW” evacuation advisory is issued from Victor Road and Walters Road North to the south side of 216 to Highway 197, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.

Additionally, officials called a Level 2 “BE PREPARED” evacuation order for the east side of 197 and all of Oak Spring Road to 216. This also includes Tygh Valley, Tygh Valley Road, Fred Ashley Road and Davidson Grade Road.

A Level 2 warning has also been issued for Maupin, including both sides of the Deschutes River.

The sheriff’s office said a shelter is open at Dufur High School. Meanwhile, the Dalles Riders Club is taking in horse while the Fairgrounds is welcoming both horses and livestock.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal said Highway 216 is back open.