Update: Multiple Pieces of Heavy Equipment Catch Fire at Deschutes Co. Landfill

UPDATE: KTVZ News received this press release from Bend Fire and Rescue

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- About 6:40 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, Bend Fire & Rescue responded to several reports of an explosion near the entrance of the Deschutes County Knott Landfill at 27th Avenue and Knott Road in Bend.

Firefighters arrived within minutes to find two front loaders fully involved, with fire spreading to a third and into nearby mulch piles in the recycling area. Crews quickly extinguished the heavy machinery and then battled the burning mulch for about an hour before bringing the fire under control. Deschutes County Solid Waste staff helped turn over the piles of mulch so firefighters could douse them with water to ensure full extinguishment. The front loaders and mulch piles were owned by Republic Services, who also had staff on site to assist responders. 

The landfill was closed during the incident, and no injuries were reported. Losses are estimated at $150,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

UPDATE: KTVZ News has received this press release from Deschutes County Administration PIO, Kim Katchur.

At about 6:40 this evening a Knott Landfill employee heard a loud bang and saw smoke on the property, so they called 911. Bend Fire & Rescue responded.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

At this point it appears that the fire started near some Republic Services front loader vehicles and spread to a nearby compost pile belonging to Republic Services.

Firefighters successfully put the fire out. 

We want to express our gratitude to Bend Fire & Rescue for their quick response.

For any follow up information please contact Republic Services at media@republicservices.com

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A large plume of smoke is rising above southeast Bend near the Knott Landfill and Transfer Station.

In photos shared with KTVZ News from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, you can see multiple pieces of heavy equipment on fire.

What caused those pieces of equipment to catch fire is under investigation.

Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates on this developing story.