Multiple fires spark across Central Oregon over Fourth of July weekend

Bend/Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — A busy Fourth of July weekend for fire crews across Central Oregon left several communities on alert as multiple brush fires broke out in quick succession.

Firefighters responded to a number of incidents, including the Peninsula Fire near Terrebonne, the Pilot Butte Fire in Bend, the Hole in the Ground Fire burning in the Deschutes National Forest, and both the Fairgrounds and Coyner fires in Redmond. Crews worked through the holiday weekend to contain the flames and prevent further spread in dry, windy conditions.

While all of the fires have since been contained, the incidents serve as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change during peak fire season.

Officials are continuing to investigate how some of the fires may have started, including whether fireworks or other human activity played a role.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday will have a full report tonight at 6 p.m. on NBC, including a closer look at when and where each fire sparked, how many acres burned, and what firefighters are urging residents to do now to reduce wildfire risk.