Transient jailed after warming fire threatens Bend homes

A fire that burned about an acre along the Deschutes River Canyon below two northwest Bend homes late Friday night was caused by a warming fire started along the river by a transient, who was arrested and taken to jail, investigators said.

Fire crews were dispatched just before 11 p.m. to the reported brushfire along the river. Callers were saying the flames were spreading through brush and trees, threatening several homes along NW Carnelian Lane, said Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki.

Firefighters found the fire in the canyon below two homes, and were able to quickly stop its spread, containing it at about an acre, Derlacki said. Mop-up work continued for several hours, due to the steep terrain along the river, he added.

Fire and police investigators found a transient had lit a warming fire along the river, and it spread out of control quickly, the fire official said.

Bend police Lt. Chris Carney said Steven Alan Mock, 42, was arrested and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on reckless burning and methamphetamine possession charges. He remained held without bail late Sunday on a probation violation charge.

As of Friday, the Bend Fire Department and Oregon Department of Forestry boosted the fire danger level to extreme, meaning “a fire will quickly spread out of control if lit,” Derlacki said.

“This example at 11 p.m. shows how quickly fire can spread in these conditions,” he said in a news release.

“Everyone is asked to use extreme caution and be aware of how fast a fire can start,” Derlacki added. “One discarded cigarette, one improper campfire or other simple acts can end up in a major fire.”