Santa Express to Collect Food, Clothing, and Toys for Families in Need

Santa and the Bend Fire Department Santa Express are back spreading holiday cheer! We will be driving through neighborhoods with our friend Santa collecting food, clothing and toys to support the Salvation Army. Collection bins have been placed at all our fire stations for any donations between now and Friday December 13^th, 2024.

In 2023, The Salvation Army and Santa Express collected thousands of pounds of food plus much needed clothing and toys to over 600 families in the Bend area. Anything and everything help, even if it’s one can of food or a small toy that donation will go a long ways to providing a good dinner and a nice gift on Christmas and a smile on a child’s face Christmas morning. The Salvation Army would like to express the need for gifts to be given to teenage age kids as well. Please join the Bend Fire Department in supporting our community! 2024 has brought more community need this year and we’re asking for your help and support. 

Known community needs:
- Kids (all ages) winter coats 
- Teen and Pre-Teen Christmas gifts (t-shirts, sweatshirts, bath/body products, gift cards, sports supplies, etc)

Here is a list of the neighborhoods for our nightly walks. Maps available upon request.
- Monday December 2^nd - Pineridge, River Canyon and Aspen Rim neighborhoods 
- Wednesday December 4^th - Foxborough, Larkspur, Sun Meadow neighborhoods 
- Wednesday December 5^th - Three Pines Ridge, Shevlin Ridge and Shevlin Meadows neighborhoods

Drop off non-perishable foods, new toys or clothing at any of these locations. Boxes will be in place until Friday December 13, 2023:

• Bend Fire & Rescue Fire Stations – blue recycling bins will be at each system for drop offs:
  • West Fire Station – 1212 SW Simpson Ave
  • East Fire Station – 62420 Hamby Rd
  • North Fire Station – 63377 Jamison St
  • South Fire Station – 61080 Country Club Dr
  • Tumalo Fire Station – 64725 Cook Ave 
  • Pilot Butte Fire Station – 425 NE 15^th St 
• The Salvation Army – 515 NE Dekalb Ave.

If you can’t make it any of these locations and would like someone to come by and pick up your donation in the Bend area, please call our office at 541-322-6386 to arrange a curbside pickup. 

Thanks ahead of time from Bend Firefighters Association, Bend Fire & Rescue, Cascade Disposal and The Salvation Army for helping families in need this holiday season. If you need help for this holiday season with food or presents, please call The Salvation Army at 541-389-8888.

Credit C.O. Fire Chiefs

Outdoor debris burning will open at sunrise on Monday, October 28 for areas outside the City of Bend within the boundaries of Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2. Debris burning is not allowed throughout the year within the city limits of Bend as per city ordinance. 

Burning can be shut down on a daily based on current and projected weather conditions that day. Please call our burn information line at 541-322-6335 everyday before burning for the most current conditions and whether burning is open or closed that day. 

A reminder, debris burning regulations may vary between governmental jurisdictions within the Central Oregon area. Please contact your local fire agency for specific requirements and restrictions. 

Campfires, recreational fires, warming fires and cooking fires may be permitted in areas where debris burning is prohibited. These types of fires are allowed in the city limits of Bend, typically year round, as long as the burn regulations and restrictions are followed. Contact your local fire agency for the burning regulations in your area. Burning regulations for the City of Bend and Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 may be picked up at the nearest fire station or by printing them from the City of Bend web site at www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo

Photo courtesy of Bend Fire & Rescue

At 10:37 pm on Thursday, October 17, 2024, Deschutes County 911 began receiving calls reporting a structure fire at the intersection of Aspen Drive and Mahogany Street in SW Bend.  Initial callers reported a garage at 60984 Aspen Drive fully engulfed with fire spreading to adjacent trees and vehicles.  Multiple engine companies from Bend Fire & Rescue arrived on scene and quickly knocked down the fire.  Extensive overhaul operations were needed due to the large quantity of combustibles in the garage, but the fire was completely extinguished and units were able to clear the scene shortly before 3 am.  The garage and adjacent vehicles were a total loss, but the fire was kept from the home on the property with only some heat damage to the vinyl siding.  Losses are estimated at $120,000.  Red Cross assistance was not needed, as the home remains habitable.  

The fire is currently under investigation, more information will be released on completion of the investigation.