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Fire

‘Jackpot burning’ continues this week on the Crooked River National Grassland; here’s what that means

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire managers on the Ochoco National Forest said Monday they plan to conduct prescribed burning on the Crooked River National Grassland beginning around 10 a.m. Tuesday, pending all required approvals. The burn operations are expected to continue through Thursday, weather and conditions permitting, officials said. The project will treat about 267 acres in

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DEQ wildfire smoke trends

Wildfire smoke hit Bend, other Oregon cities less during 2025 wildfire season, bucking long-term trend, DEQ says

ย SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon air quality impacts from the 2025 wildfire season were “minimal,” compared to previous years, as the state’s largest wildfires broke out far from the most populated cities, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reports. The DEQ on Thursday released theย 2025 Wildfire Trends Report, which measures how particulate matter from the

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Prescribed burn Deschutes National Forest

Deschutes National Forest plans 11,000 acres of spring prescribed burning; health officials urge smoke readiness

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Wednesday that firefighters plan to start spring understory prescribed burning season as early as next week, if conditions become favorable. At the same time, Central Oregon public health departments urged preparation for the season and the smoke it will bring. The forest said it hopes to

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Oregon State House

Oregon Legislature passes bill establishing statewide Battery Producer Responsibility Program

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 4144 Thursday, establishing a statewide Battery Producer Responsibility Program to address the rise of lithium battery fires. The bill now moves to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk for a final signature. The legislation creates a producer-funded system for the collection and recycling of certain batteries and

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Home hardening city of Bend

‘Home hardening’: City of Bend plans to adopt new state residential building code aimed at reducing wildfire risks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council is moving forward with plans to adopt new home-hardening requirements aimed at making new residential buildings more resilient to wildfires. During a work session last Wednesday, councilors directed staff to begin the local adoption process for Section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code. Section R327 is

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Cram Fire retardant drop

Jefferson County ranching couple sue Central Electric Cooperative for over $10 million, blaming utility for Cram Fire

(Update: Adding video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Jefferson County ranching couple has sued Central Electric Cooperative for more than $10 million, claiming the utilityโ€™s negligence and failure to shut down power lines amid dry conditions and severe fire risk sparked last summerโ€™s destructive, 95,000-acre Cram Fire.  A Portland attorney for Ronald and Debra Dees, who own and operate The RiverD Ranch, filed the

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Wildfire fuels disposal

Wildfire Safety: As fire season approaches, you’re invited to hear from local experts about strategies you can use to protect your home

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members are invited to attend a free Wildfire Home Protection Workshop designed to help reduce wildfire risk and safeguard residents’ properties. Oregon State University’s Extension Service will host the free educational workshop on Saturday, March 14th from 9:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m. at Juniper Canyon Baptist Church in Prineville: 9180

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Oregon wildfire prevention work, expansion of timber production

Bureau of Land Management asking for public feedback on OR timber plan, emphasizes importance of timber production

WASHINGTON (KTVZ)–The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on proposed updates to manage 2.5 million acres of timberlands in western Oregon. The initiative aims to expand domestic timber production and reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign imports. A notice opening the public comment period will be published in the Federal Register on February

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Seeing smoke? Deschutes County is starting winter pile burning southwest of Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Natural Resources alerted residents Tuesday that winterย pileย burningย was getting underway near the Seventh Mountain Resort and Points West communities, about six miles southwest of Bend. The county said it will burnย piles on up to 24 acres. Ignitions will take place on weekdays when weather, fuel moisture and air quality meet

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Rep. Janelle Bynumโ€™s bipartisan wildfire safety bill passes committee

Washington, DC (KTVZ) — Oregon Congresswoman Janelle Bynumโ€™s bill to improve safety during wildfire response is moving forward in Washington, D.C. The Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act, co-sponsored by Bynum (OR-05) and Representatives Eli Crane (AZ-02), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), passed through committee without opposition. The bipartisan legislation focuses on reducing risks

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Youth Wildland Fire Career Camp

A novel way to spend spring break: Youth Wildland Fire Career Camp to debut in Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) โ€“ Discover Your Northwest has announced the inaugural Youth Wildland Fire Career Camp, a free, multi-day program designed to introduce youth ages 16-20 to the exciting and diverse world of wildland fire careers. “This unique day camp offers a hands-on learning experience during Oregon’s spring break, taking place from Wednesday, March 25,

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