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JOHN DAY, Ore. (AP) — Crews are working hard to stop the spread of a group of central Oregon wildfires.
The blazes cover 159 square miles and have destroyed two more homes and a guest house.
Firefighters built fire lines around the buildings and set up sprinklers but had to flee Saturday when winds gusted up to 50 mph and threatened their escape routes.
About 950 firefighters are battling the blazes that had previously destroyed more than three dozen homes in the area.
Some residents have been told to evacuate and residents of the town of Prairie City are being told to be ready to evacuate.
Fire spokesman Damon Simmons says crews are experiencing better conditions and are trying to stop the flames from spreading to the north and northeast.
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%@AP Links
178-a-14-(Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, in AP interview)-"to get out"-Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, with the Oregon Fire Marshal's office, says police are alerting residents to vacate the area. (30 Aug 2015)
<<CUT *178 (08/30/15)££ 00:14 "to get out"
179-a-16-(Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, in AP interview)-"will definitely help"-Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, with the Oregon Fire Marshal's office, says fire crews are hoping for more rain to help fight the wildfire spread. ((note "yesterday" in cut refers to Saturday; watch for dating)) (30 Aug 2015)
<<CUT *179 (08/30/15)££ 00:16 "will definitely help"
176-a-15-(Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, in AP interview)-"in other areas"-Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, with the Oregon Fire Marshal's office, says along with the wildfires, crews are also battling difficult terrain. (30 Aug 2015)
<<CUT *176 (08/30/15)££ 00:15 "in other areas"
177-a-16-(Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, in AP interview)-"as structure protection"-Lieutenant Tommy Schroeder, with the Oregon Fire Marshal's office, says dry brush and warm temperatures are helping to fuel the wildfires. (30 Aug 2015)
<<CUT *177 (08/30/15)££ 00:16 "as structure protection"
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