Wildfires Rage in the Crook County Highlands

David Scott Fields II, Senior Writer

July 13, 2025

The Highlands Wildfire smoke plume as seen from approximately 15 miles away.

PRINEVILLE, OREGON – Summer is the season for wildfires throughout Oregon, and on July 12, 2025 a particularly destructive fire was started by human carelessness just south of Prineville in the Juniper Canyon area. The fire is reported to be impacting 1,500 acres and a massive plume of smoke is still clearly visible across the Prineville area and beyond.

Lieutenant Mitch Madden of the Crook County Sheriff’s Office advised residents in the vicinity to be watchful and attentive to any evacuation orders. Evacuation notices remain in effect for multiple areas near the fire. Level 3 “Go Now” orders, Level 2 “Be Set” advisories, and Level 1 “Be Ready” alerts have been issued by emergency management officials in Crook County. At the time of this writing, the fire has proceeded into the Longhorn Subdivision where Level 3 orders are now in effect.

Community members are already rallying to support those impacted by the blaze. Eastside Church in Prineville has opened its doors as a shelter for Level 3 evacuees. According to Lt. Madden, Crook County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Officials will be on site at the church to collect information from evacuees and to keep them up-to-date on the progress of the fire. Eastside Church is located at 3174 NE Third Street in Prineville and can be contacted at 541-447-3791.

For those with animals, particularly larger ones, Rim Rock Riders, a local equestrian club, has volunteered to convert the arena at Brasada Ranch into a makeshift animal shelter. The ranch can be located at 16976 SW Brasada Ranch Rd in Powell Butte, OR. Those interested in sheltering their animals at the ranch should contact Kerri Jo Talburt at 541-980-7911 to make the proper arrangements.

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Extinguishing this inferno is going to be a fight. There is no doubt about that. Even from a distance, aerial firefighting craft can be seen hard at work. The public, especially those living in areas of impact, are called to remain vigilant. Homeowners are encouraged to create defensible space by clearing brush and debris and to stay informed through official updates provided by local emergency services. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office is currently providing regular updates on their Facebook page and additional updates – including specific zones under evacuation orders – can be found on Watch Duty at https://app.watchduty.org/i/55553.

If you are a praying person, please pray for those impacted by this crisis. 2025 has already seen its fair share of natural disasters – and no doubt more are to come. Nevertheless, our God is able! As the Lord reminded His people in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Please call on the Lord in this situation and watch for His faithfulness.

While the path forward depends on weather, resources, and community cooperation, many in the region remain committed to meeting this challenge together – with courage, preparedness, and faith.