UPDATE: Redmond Fire and Rescue Report Fire Started by Resident Shooting at Exploding Targets
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- KTVZ News has confirmed that the Oak Fire was started by a resident who was shooting at exploding targets. Below is the press release from Redmond Fire and Rescue.
July 19, 2026-REDMOND, OR- At approximately 2:30pm this afternoon, Redmond Fire & Rescue was alerted to a reported brush fire in the 10400 block of NW Oak Ln in Redmond. Multiple callers reported trees catching fire and the fire spreading rapidly to the south. Based on this information, the incident commander upgraded the call to a third alarm and requested additional resources including air support.
As fire crews arrived on scene the fire was threatening nearby residential homes. Crews quickly deployed hand lines in an effort to protect the nearby homes. Currently no structures have been lost or damaged. The fire is currently at 5 acres in size.
Due to the rapid spread of the fire, air support was requested to respond, Two helicopters and two single air attack aircraft arrived on scene to help stop the spread of the fire.
Fire investigators determined that the property owner was shooting at an exploding target. The exploding target was impacted by the round from a .223 rifle round, when the target exploded the fire quickly began. While shooting on your private property may not be restricted, you can be held liable for any fires that start from shooting activities.
The property owner has been cited for reckless endangering and reckless burning.
Update: As of 6:25p.m. on Sunday, forward progress has been stopped. Some, but not all, evacuation notices have been lifted. Areas north of Highway 126 are still under a level 3 'go now' evacuation notice.
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crews are responding to the fast-growing Oak Fire in Northwest Redmond. As of 5:00p.m. on Sunday, the fire is burning 5 acres.
Level 3 'go now' evacuations have been ordered for the following area: North of HWY 126 to Kachina and West end of Kingwood to 91st East. Level 2 'get set' notice put in place for the following area: West of 101st Street and south of HWY 126 to Eagle Crest Blvd.
A temporary shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Highland Baptist, located at 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR 97756.
The Deschutes County Fairgrounds located at 3800 SW Airport Wy, Redmond, OR 97756 is providing short-term horse sheltering. The Pet Evacuation Team (PET) and Mustangs to The Rescue assisting with animal evacuation and sheltering.
The fire started as a vegetation fire in the 10400 block of NW Oak Lane in Redmond, burning juniper and sage. Due to weather conditions, the fire is quickly growing to the southwest. Structures may be threatened. Be sure to continue to check alerts and conditions.
Image provided by Watch Duty.
