New Oregon wildfire prompting mandatory evacuations

DUFUR, Ore. – A new fast-moving fire has forced mandatory evacuations south of The Dalles.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office told residents southwest of Dufur between South Valley Road and Friend Road and between Hix Road and Kingsley Road on Wednesday afternoon to leave the area immediately.

The Oregon Department of Forestry said the South Valley fire started at about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and was growing quickly.

Forestry spokeswoman Christie Shaw told KATU-TV the fire was human caused.

The sheriff’s office also urged drivers to use caution on U.S. Highway 197 because of wildfire smoke.