Bend Fire Department was called to a reported brush fire west of town off of Bull Springs Rd. The fire was reported to be spreading and near buildings. Crews from Bend Fire Department, Oregon Department of Forestry and the US Forest Service all responded to the incident.
Employees from the nearby stables were able to get their portable water tank out to the fire after calling 911 and help stop the spread of the fire before fire crews arrived. The fire was kept at just over 1/10th of an acre and no buildings were threatened.
The cause of the fire was not determined. The fire spread was kept to a minimum by the work the property owners have done in the past few years of brush clearing, trees being limbed and fuel breaks maintained. This work kept the fuels available to be burned to a minimum and allowed crews the ability to stop the fire quickly. As summer progresses and fuels dry out more, this work becomes even more important as fires move faster in the dry and hot summer days.
Bend Fire Department reminds everyone that we live in areas that are threatened by wildfire every year. Take time to review your home and property for ways to prevent the spread of wildfire around your home and create a defensible space. More information can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/wildfiresafety.
Bend Fire Department offers free home evaluations, please call our office to schedule 541-322-6300. As of 6/17/19 most of Central Oregon has moved to High fire danger levels. Fuels (grass, brush, trees, etc) are starting to dry out burn more readily. This is also a good reminder for anyone out in the woods or around their homes, be careful your activities don’t start any fires. Sparks from vehicles/equipment, improperly discarded cigarettes and campfires not fully extinguished are all common causes of fires that are completely preventable.
