A brush fire erupted along NE Studio Rd just after 10 Thursday morning, igniting a 40-foot strip of ornamental juniper bushes in front of a home. The resident tried to douse the flames with a hose, but gusty winds fueled the blaze. Bend Fire & Rescue crews arrived swiftly, extinguishing the fire before it could threaten the house or additional bushes. No damage was reported beyond the scorched landscaping, and Studio Rd was briefly shut down during the response. Investigators say the fire started while the occupant used a weed burner, which is prohibited in Bend city limits. All debris burning will be closed throughout Central Oregon at the end of the day on April 30th.

 

Bend Fire & Rescue, working with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, will end outdoor debris burning in the Bend area a month earlier than usual. The closure begins at midnight, April 30, as regional drought increases fire risk. While rural areas near Bend can continue burning debris until that date, it remains banned inside city limits. Authorities remind residents to follow safety rules, use caution… and prepare for an early fire season.  
 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of scammers impersonating deputies and demanding payment for fake fines or missed court dates.

These callers often use real employee names and spoof phone numbers, but real deputies will never ask for money over the phone. Community members are advised to verify suspicious calls by contacting dispatch at 541-693-6911 and report any scam attempts to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3 dot gov.

The Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project closure south of Bend will remain in effect until at least April 30, 2027—extending restrictions by another year.

Access is prohibited throughout the more than 32-thousand-acre project area while crews conduct hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed burns, and habitat restoration.

Some forest service roads are open, but all major recreation sites and most trails are closed.

Violators risk significant fines or jail time.

Find details and maps on the Deschutes National Forest website.

 

photo courtesy Central Oregon Daily News
The U.S. Forest Service is hosting its annual helicopter rappel recertification event west of Bend, along Forest Service Road 41, Monday April 13 to Tuesday April 21.

Up to six helicopters may be seen in the area between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

Although no closures are expected, those in the area should observe posted warnings and avoid restricted zones.

Rappellers are firefighters who descend from helicopters to address wildfires in hard-to-reach locations.