The Marks Creek Fire, which sparked on Tuesday night in Crook County, has prompted Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations, the Oregon Department of Forestry announced on Wednesday afternoon. The Level 3 evacuations are for those located near Hwy 26 at Ochoco Creek Rd. to the Ochoco Ranger Station, according to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, Level 2 “Be Set” is in effect on the north side of Hwy 26 to NF 150 Rd and a mile south of Ochoco Creek Rd. The fire is estimated to be at 2,000 acres and is located 21 miles northeast of Prineville in the Ochoco National Forest. “Ground and air resources from ODF, Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and local fire departments have been actively engaged, and firefighters are working to establish control lines. Fire activity is expected to remain high over the next several days due to challenging weather conditions,” ODF said.
