NE Bend brushfire sparks call for public tips

An early-morning fire in northeast Bend Friday startled many living near the Alpine Meadow townhouses off Studio Road and left police and fire investigators looking for tips from the public..

“We received a report of a fire in the trees off of Studio Road near Butler Market,” said police Sgt. Brian Beekman. “It was a matter of minutes before police and fire were on scene.”

The fire, reported just after midnight, burned in grass and underbrush, and was spreading into nearby trees when crews arrived, said police Sgt, Todd Fletcher. It was estimated to have burned about a half-acre.

Police and fire investigators were interviewing several people in the area, and Fletcher later issued a news release seeking the public’s help for possible reckless burning and criminal mischief charges.

There was concern of possible evacuations of nearby residents at the Alpine Meadow Apartments on Sixth Street, but that proved unnecessary.

“We did not start evacuations,” said Beekman. “Bend fire knocked the flames down fairly quickly after it was reported.”

Studio Road was closed for about an hour so crews could mop up.