Arrests possible if evacuation orders ignored in huge blaze

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Sheriff’s deputies in southern Oregon may start arresting people who refuse to heed evacuation orders issued because of a large, growing wildfire that threatens two small towns.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the Bootleg fire grew to around 231 square miles (598 square kilometers) by Sunday afternoon.

The blaze is is burning in the Fremont-Winema National Forest and on private land north of Sprague River and Beatty, about 290 miles (467 kilometers) southeast of Portland, Oregon. The fire is 0% contained.

Fire managers on Sunday extended a Level 3 evacuation zone to unincorporated Beatty, with a population of around 120 people.

Level 3 evacuations mean residents must leave immediately.