Illegal fireworks spark SE Bend brush fire, officials say

(Update: Tree burns in NE Bend, BBQ sparks fire SW of Madras)

Illegal fireworks sparked a small brush fire Friday afternoon along railroad tracks in southeast Bend, investigators said, prompting an early warning from fire officials of the potential for injuries, fines and a firefighting bill for such actions.

Crews responded around 2:20 p.m. to the reported fire near Brookhollow Drive and Honeysuckle Lane, Bend Fire Battalion Chief Dave Howe said.

Crews were able to stop the slow-moving fire, which burned about a half-acre, he said.

Howe reminded that any firework that flies more than 6 feet horizontally and a foot in the air, shoots flaming balls or explodes is illegal in Oregon.

“Those who choose to use illegal fireworks risk personal injury and a substantial fine if found guilty, as well as being liable for any damage the fireworks may cause and the costs of suppressing a fire caused by the fireworks,” Howe wrote. “Choose not to lose! Don’t use illegal fireworks!”

Along with backyard burns, legal or not, there have been other signs of warming, drying conditions in recent days. A tree and surrounding bushes caught fire on Bend’s Northeast Division Street Friday evening, across from the former Riverbend Brewing. Southwest of Madrs, on Eureka Lane, grease from a barbecue ignited and caught the side of a resident’s sun room on fire.