Photo: KATU
The Substation Fire burning southeast of The Dalles in Sherman County has turned fatal.
Wasco County Sheriff's deputies were called to a farm where a tractor was burned by the fire. They found the body of a man nearby who appeared to have died as a result of the fire. His name has not been released.
The fire started on Tuesday and has grown to 36,000 acres. It destroyed several outbuildings and one home. The U.S. Forest Service says evacuation orders are in effect.
Level 3 (Go!) evacuation orders have been issued for the following areas:
8 miles Road at Emerson Loop Road and Company Hollow Road, Wrentham Market and Mason roads, Fifteen Mile Road, McCoy Road, Moody Road, Fulton Road, Kloan Road, Kelly Cutoff Road and from Sherars Bridge to Macks Canyon.
Sherman County also issued a Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation for the Grass Valley area Tuesday night.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued a conflagration declaration for the Substation Fire. The Conflagration Act authorizes the Oregon State Fire Marshal to bring in firefighters and equipment from around the state to assist local resources.
The Substation Fire started along Highway 197 and jumped the Deschutes River, burning through wheat and grass.
Farmers are working alongside firefighters to save their homes, crops and livestock. One farmer even used a tractor to carve a fire line in a wheat field, just feet from the fire.
Highway 197 remains open, but drivers are asked to use caution. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at The Dalles Middle School. The Dalles Riders Club is taking care of animals and Home at Last is taking care of dogs.