MADRAS, Ore. (AP) — With a conflagration declaration from the governor, more firefighters are battling a wildfire that has burned about 1,300 acres in central Oregon and threatens 22 homes.
A state fire marshal’s spokesman, Justin de Ruyter (duh-RY’-ter), says about 120 firefighters are on the scene Tuesday, with fire engines guarding the homes at risk.
The Elk Fire broke out Monday afternoon near Madras and was spread by winds through grass and brush on private land and Bureau of Land Management property. De Ruyter says the cause remains under investigation.
No one has been injured and no homes have been lost. The main body of the fire is burning just north of the threatened homes.
De Ruyter says crews hope to contain the fire by Tuesday night.
