Five Bend boys accused of starting dozens of fires

Teens started several small brush fires in Bend in recent days, officials said. On Saturday alone, 25 fires were reported in a northeast Bend park close to homes, allegedly started by two boys, 12 and 13.

“All of these fires, the kids were intending to light fires,” Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said Thursday.

On Wednesday evening, another close call, as crews responded to a campfire that got out of control. Derlacki said that was started by three teens, all 13 or 14 years old.

In both cases, the juveniles will be cited with reckless burning.

“What the goal of that citation is, is to get them educated,” Derlacki said.

In the middle of Bend, a fire out of control could turn catastrophic. There also have been accidental fires, such as from sparks from a lawn mower as well as illegal debris burns that are outlawed in the city, no matter what time of year.

“Over the last week, we had numerous human-caused fires,” Derlacki said.

“We haven’t had any (wildland) fires yet, and they start to let their guard down. We need to remind people that we’re still in the middle of summer,” he added.

U.S. Forest Service officials highlighted the importance of knowing and following the fire restrictions.

“Our fire danger is really starting to track into the high to extreme,” said Deana Wall. “What that rain did a couple of weeks ago is just potentially delay our conditions. We could still have lots of troublesome fires ahead of us.”

Three accidental blazes (two sparked by lawn mowers), three illegal open burns and a juvenile fire-starter case in recent days prompted the Bend Fire Department to remind everyone Wednesday that fire danger in the area remains extreme.

Here’s a news release from Derlacki:

The Bend Fire Department has recently responded to a variety of fires lately that remind us of our vulnerability to the threat of wildfire. Persistent hot and dry conditions have made all fuels more receptive to ignition, with no weather changes in sight.

Sparks from equipment igniting dry vegetation and materials – two small grass fires and a home being razed were ignited by sparks from equipment. Both grass fires were caused by sparks from lawn mowers striking rocks, igniting the grass.

The home fire was caused by sparks from metal cutting igniting wood chips. Spark-generating work should be completed by mid-morning, before the heat of the day dries out grasses and other combustibles.

If you are operating equipment that may produce sparks, watch the area for at least an hour afterwards for ignitions, and have a hose or fire extinguisher handy to extinguish any ignitions.

In many areas, the use of mowers, weed whackers and chainsaws are prohibited due to the dryness: check with your local fire agency for specific restrictions.

Debris burning – Outdoor debris burning is exceptionally hazardous under the current conditions. Although no fires resulted, three separate incidents of residents using burn barrels resulted in citations have happened in Bend in the past few days.

ALL backyard debris burning, commercial burning or agricultural burning is PROHIBITED within City limits of Bend and Deschutes County Rural Fire District #2, and will strictly be enforced.

A violation for open burning is a Class B civil infraction citation, punishable by a fine amount of $400 in the city, and a Class A Infraction of $500 in the fire district.

Warming fires, campfires, cooking fires and commercially manufactured burn pits are allowed in the Bend area when used within the guidelines set forth in the BFD Burning Regulations.

Before lighting any such fires, please check with your local fire department or forest protection office to determine specific fire-related closures and regulations. In many areas these fires are banned. In Bend, you can call 541-322-6335 for information on what is allowed or not allowed each day.

Written burning regulations are available at any Bend fire station or on our web site www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo

Juveniles misusing fire – Over the weekend, two boys, ages 12 and 13, were cited for reckless burning for misusing fire, starting a series of small brush fires near Skyview Middle School on Bend’s north end.

Since summer is a peak season for juvenile set fires, be sure to discuss fire safety with your kids, and ensure they do not have access to matches or lighters. Bend Fire Department has specially trained educators who work with children who misuse fire. Find out more at www.bendoregon.gov/fire, under fire and life safety information.

As a reminder to all Central Oregon residents, regulations may vary between fire protection jurisdictions. Please contact your local, state or federal fire agency for specific requirements and closures.

Your cooperation during this extremely dangerous fire season is needed and we ask everyone to be very careful, especially now, as conditions are extremely dry.