MADRAS, Ore. (AP) — Fire crews in central Oregon are battling a new wildfire that has burned more than 900 acres — or nearly 1 1/2 square miles — and threatens multiple structures about four miles west of Madras. The Elk Fire was reported Monday afternoon. Pushed by windy conditions, it has burned quickly in light, brushy fuel, moving north onto U.S. Bureau of Land Management property.
The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center said Monday night that the fire has burned an outbuilding but no houses. So far there is no estimate on when it might be contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Forest Service and BLM firefighters are working with local fire crews.
Conditions in central Oregon’s high desert are reported to be very dry.
