Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort remains under wildfire evacuation

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort remains under a mandatory Level 3 evacuation due to the Backside Fire burning on the mountain’s west slope.

As of Sept. 10, the Backside Fire is 80 acres in size. The fire is one of more than a dozen lightning fires that sparked on Mount Bachelor between the Deschutes National Forest between Sept. 7 and 8. Firefighters named the cluster of fires the Bachelor Complex.

The Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort suspended activities on Sept. 7 and the resort was evacuated because of the encroaching wildfire. Resort spokesperson Lauren Burke told KOIN 6 News that employees have not returned to the resort since it was evacuated. If the evacuation order is dropped, the resort plans to reopen to the public on Thursday, per its regular fall operating hours. However, if the evacuation order remains in place, the property will stay shuttered.

“We are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to assess conditions daily and will provide updates if we can reopen on Thursday,” Burke said.

The Little Lava Fire burning on the south end of Mount Bachelor saw "significant growth" to the east on Monday, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office said. More areas were evacuated in response to the growing fire.

A rainstorm will move into Oregon between Tuesday night and Wednesday. Heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms are possible on Mount Bachelor. Officials with Central Oregon Fire told KOIN 6 News that firefighters hope to gain better control of the fires during the rainy period. However, the thunderstorms could also start more lightning fires in the area.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.