Wind-fanned brushfire threatens Eagle Crest condo

A wind-whipped brushfire burned almost a half-acre near an Eagle crest condominium Sunday afternoon, but neighbors with garden hoses helped fire crews keep it from reaching any structures, officials said.

Neighbors and a passer-by reported the fire just after 3 p.m. at 617 Highland Meadow Loop in the resort west of Redmond, said Redmond Deputy Fire Marshal Clara Butler. No one was home at the time of the blaze, she added.

Crews arrived to find the brushfire being fanned by high winds through grass, brush and juniper trees, burning to within 10 feet of the condo, Butler said.

The fire grew to 4/10th of an acre before firefighters were able to stop its progress, the fire official said, adding that no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire was not immediately determined, and was under investigation, Butler said.

Redmond firefighters were assisted on scene by one engine each from the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry. Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies also assisted at the scene, Butler said.

Butler reminded all members of the public to stay vigilant during the summer and call 911 if you see smoke or a fire.