Passing Truck Apparently Sparks Brushfires

Three small brushfires in a matter of minutes along Highway 97 between Redmond and Bend kept firefighters busy Thursday afternoon while authorities looked for a pickup and trailer that apparently sparked them,

The first two fires broke out around 4:30 p.m. near Cinder Butte and the O’Neil Highway. Then, minutes later, another fire was reported near Young Avenue along the highway.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies believe all three were sparked by a passing pickup truck with a flatbed trailer.

Deputies said they received several reports that the pickup was throwing sparks off the roadway.

It’s believed to have Washington license plates and was carrying some sort of furniture. It was believed to have been spotted heading west on Tumalo Road, but a search proved fruitless.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Deschutes County Dispatch Center at 541-693-6911. You can also call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-877-876-TIPS, or use the form on KTVZ.COM’s Crime Stoppers page. You can remain anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward.