Outdoor Debris Burning Closes At The End Of April For The Bend Area - 04/15/26

Bend Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, announce that outdoor debris burning will close at the end of April for the Bend area.

Outdoor debris burning will be open as conditions allow in the rural areas surrounding Bend until midnight on Thursday, April 30. Debris burning is not allowed within Bend city limits, per City of Bend Ordinance.

This closure comes a month earlier than normal because of increased risk shown by local drought declarations and the seasonal fire outlook.  

Backyard fires, which include warming fires, campfires and cooking fires are typically allowed year-round in the city of Bend and the surrounding areas covered by Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2, when following Bend Fire & Rescue burning regulations. Additional restrictions can be placed on campfires during peak temperatures to reduce fire risk.

Please check restrictions every time you burn by calling the Bend area information hotline at 541-322-6335. Learn more about burn regulations and permitting at bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

As temperatures continue to rise, please remember that wildfire is a threat in Central Oregon. Protect your home from wildfire by clearing flammable vegetation and creating defensible space. More information about simple actions you can take to prepare for the upcoming fire season can be found at bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone.

Bend Fire & Rescue Invites High School Students To Apply For 2026 Camp Fire Axe (Photo) - 03/30/26

Bend Fire & Rescue invites Central Oregon high school students who are considering a career in the fire service to apply for Camp Fire Axe, an annual four-day summer academy put on by professional firefighter/paramedics.

Camp Fire Axe is an opportunity for students ages 16 to 19 to learn about fire response, CPR, trauma and first aid in a real academy setting.

This year’s academy will take place June 18 – 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day at the Bend Fire & Rescue Training Center (63377 NE Jamison St., Bend).

Applications open this Wednesday, April 1 at 7 a.m. Attendance is limited to 12 students with a $250 fee per person. Scholarships are available through the application. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis through May 1, and can be found at bendoregon.gov/camp-fire-axe.

Structure Fire On Thomas Drive In Bend On 03/28/26 (Photo) - 03/28/26

At 5:07 am on Saturday, March 28, a 911 caller reported a structure fire in the area of Thomas Drive & Airpark Drive.  The occupant woke to the sound of their smoke alarm and was able to safely evacuate.  Bend Fire & Rescue arrived within 8 minutes of the initial 911 call, finding a single story residence with fire venting through the roof.  The fire was quickly knocked down, and the resident declined Red Cross assistance.

Upon investigation, the fire was found to have originated in the attic space at the stove pipe for the pellet stove.  The heated stove pipe ignited insulation and structural members adjacent to the pipe and the fire spread throughout the attic, leading to the eventual collapse of the roof and ceiling into much of the living space of the home.  Losses are estimated at $400,000 for the structure and $80,000 for the contents, which included a vehicle parked inside the garage at the time of the fire.

Working smoke alarms save lives!  According to the National Fire Protection Association, the majority of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.  If you need assistance with your smoke alarms, call Bend Fire & Rescue at 541-322-6386 for a free consultation.  If you don’t live in the Bend area, check with your local fire department or contact the Central/Eastern Oregon Chapter of the Red Cross at 541-382-2142 for assistance.

Structure Fire At 65425 76th Street In Tumalo On 03/20/26 (Photo) - 03/21/26

**UPDATE**

The cause of the fire at 65425 76th Street in Tumalo was determined to be accidental in nature, and caused by a fuel leak and subsequent backfire from a vehicle parked in the 1,600 square foot shop structure.  The shop and contents, including two classic vehicles and a motorized scooter, were a total loss.  A nearby travel trailer was also heavily damaged.  Losses are estimated at $100,000 for the structure and $120,000 for the contents and adjacent travel trailer.  

As we get closer to wildfire season, it's time for a reminder that defensible space is important for not just your home, but other structures on your property as well.  Trees and other vegetation close to the shop allowed the fire to spread towards other homes in the area but was stopped quickly by fire crews.  Now is a good time to evaluate your property and take steps to reduce the risk from wildfire.  Simple measures such as removing bark mulch and vegetation within 5 feet of the foundation can help to protect structures from the threat of wildfire.  For more information on wildfire preparedness and home hardening, visit https://bendoregon.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-rescue/community-resources-programs/own-your-zone/

At 5:11 pm on Friday, March 20, multiple 911 callers reported a structure fire on 76th Street in the Tumalo area.  The fire was highly visible from the Highway 97 and Tumalo Road areas.  First arriving Bend fire crews found a fully involved detached shop building with fire spreading to adjacent brush and trees.  The residence on the property, as well as other detached structures, were not impacted by the fire.  With mutual aid assistance from both Cloverdale Fire District and Redmond Fire, the fire was knocked down quickly.  Assistance was also provided by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.  Crews remain on scene as of 8:00 pm mopping up and monitoring for hot spots.  76th Street is blocked at this time north of Limestone as numerous units are still on scene and the public is asked to avoid the area.  

The fire is under investigation at this time and an updated media release will be sent when the investigation is complete.

Central Oregon Wildfire Educators Group Strengthens Regional Wildfire Preparedness Through Unified Outreach And Collaboration (Photo) - 03/19/26

The Central Oregon Wildfire Educators Group (COWEG), created in 2022 under the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-Op, is proud to highlight years of momentum in wildfire preparedness, education, and community collaboration across the region. Bringing together city, county, state, federal, and private‑land wildfire educators, the group continues to deliver a unified, consistent message of how to live in a fire‑adapted community within the Central Oregon landscape, where fire is a natural part of the environment.

Empowering Central Oregonians Through Education

In 2025, COWEG delivered wildfire preparedness education and outreach programs throughout Central Oregon, helping thousands of residents better understand critical pillars of wildfire readiness:

• Defensible Space: How to reduce flammable vegetation and materials around the home, while considering other goals (landscape aesthetics, wildlife, privacy, and invasive plants).
• Home Hardening: Practical steps to strengthen structures against ember intrusion.
• Evacuation preparedness: Ensuring families know when and how to leave safely.
• Smoke Readiness: How to protect yourself and loved ones from the health impacts of smoke

These efforts equip residents with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to take concrete steps toward reducing wildfire risk on their own properties. For information on free Wildfire Home Protection Strategies Workshops, go to https://centraloregonfire.org/whps/

Collaboration at the Core

COWEG’s strength lies in its partnership model. Members include local fire and government agencies, public health, community groups, tribal partners, and nonprofit organizations; all learning from one another through ongoing collaboration. The group works as a regional amplification network, ensuring that each organization’s wildfire preparedness efforts have a broader reach and unified message.

Working together, the group distributes educational materials, supports community wildfire awareness events, and promotes Fire Adapted Communities principles throughout Central Oregon.  By connecting these efforts, COWEG ensures that residents hear clear, consistent guidance no matter where they live or which agency they interact with.

Supporting Natural Resource Protection and Prescribed Fire

A core strength of COWEG is its commitment to protecting Central Oregon’s natural resources. The group supports prescribed fire tactics and uses across the region, an essential practice for returning fire back to the landscape as both a cultural and ecological necessity. COWEG’s commitment to provide technical assistance and support for private landowners is fundamental for restoring ecosystem resilience and reducing the risk of high‑severity wildfires.

Annual Wildfire Preparedness Fairs Across the Region

Every year, COWEG hosts Wildfire Preparedness Fairs across the region. These free community events bring together experts, families, and partners to:

• Share educational resources
• Demonstrate wildfire readiness practices
• Provide hands‑on learning opportunities for adults and kids
• Celebrate the progress Central Oregon communities are making

With hundreds of participants attending annually, these fairs help strengthen community resilience and inspire property owners to take meaningful action.

Upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Fairs:

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

5:00 – 8:00 pm

Sisters High School, 1700 W McKinney Butte Road, Sisters, OR

Saturday, April 11, 2026

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Wilco Parking Lot, 154 NW Saint Charles Way, Prineville, OR

Saturday, April 11, 2026

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

La Pine High School, 51622 Coach Road, La Pine, OR

Thursday, April 16, 2026

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

SHARC, 57250 Overlook Road, Sunriver, OR

Saturday, May 9, 2026

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

COCC – Wille Hall, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR

Wednesday, May 20^th, 2026

5:00pm -7:00pm

Jefferson County Fire and EMS Station, 765 S 5^th Street, Madras, OR

Connecting the Dots of the Fire Adapted Communities Model

A core part of COWEG’s mission is helping residents understand how all components of the Fire Adapted Communities Wheel fit together—from response agencies and land management to home preparedness, community planning, evacuation readiness, and recovery. A fire-adapted community is a knowledgeable, engaged, and resilient community that understands its wildfire risk and takes collaborative action to safely coexist with wildland fire. (FACNET)The group serves as a bridge, showing how each part contributes to a safer, more resilient Central Oregon.

For more information on Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, visit https://fireadaptednetwork.org/

Creative Outreach for All Ages

To improve access to wildfire education, COWEG also develops creative public service announcements and video content tailored for all age groups. These media projects bring important messages to life and help families start conversations that lead to action. To inspire the future leaders and members of our communities, the group also collaborates on school visits and engaging events for kids.

A Unified Voice for a Wildfire‑Resilient Future

The Central Oregon Wildfire Educators Group remains committed to building genuine, lasting connections with community and organizations across the region. With a united voice and shared vision, the group continues to work toward community resilience, strengthen partnerships, and empower Central Oregonians to live safely with wildfire.

To get your organization involved or for more information, please contact:

Melissa Steele, Bend Fire & Rescue, Co-Chair of COWEG msteele@bendoregon.gov

Ariel Cowan, OUS Extension, Co-Chair of COWEG ariel.cown@oregonstate.edu

Escapedf Field Burn East Of Bend 3-16-26 (Photo) - 03/16/26

Bend Fire & Rescue was called to an escaped field burn this afternoon off of Powell Butte Hwy. The owner was out burning his ditches when the wind carried the fire past his containment and started to spread. Fire crews arrived and worked to stop the spread of the fire before it left the owners property. Bend Fire was assisted by Alfalfa Fire, ODF and BLM fire resources as well as DSCO for traffic control. The fire was stopped on their property at 6.6 acres. No damage to buildings or fences as found. The fire burning mostly pasture land with a few trees, brush piles, and brush surrounding the fields burning as well.

The owners have a current burn permit for burning fields. They were out burning ditches this afternoon but unfortunately didn’t have all the water they should have to be prepared. They were following all the other rules of the permit and had called into to ensure burning was open today. With light winds predicted today, open burning was open today.

Burning is open through May 31^st each year for debris and field burning outside the city limits. This date may be moved up if we continue with the dry spring weather. Burning can be shut down from day to day when winds are predicted above 20mph. Burn permits are needed for field burning and for large piles. This permit includes a site visit to go over safe burning practices. The owner knows to have more water on hand for next year if they choose to burn again.

If you have any questions about burning, please call our office at 541-322-6386 to schedule a site visit. Debris burning is not allowed within the city limits of Bend year-round as per city ordinance. More information on burning regulations can be found on our website, www.bendoregon.gov/fire and by clicking on the Outdoor Burning Informaiton tab. Always call the burn information before you burn at 541-322-6335.