Abandoned campfire sparks Bend brushfire
Bend fire crews doused a small brushfire along the Deschutes River on Wednesday that investigators said was caused by an abandoned campfire on Bend Park and Rec District property – where the agency is working to reduce that threat.
Firefighters responded around 10:20 a.m. to the report of a small fire along the east side of the river, below Northwest Lakeside Place, said Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki.
They found a small, roughly 1/10 of an acre fire at the base of a cliff along the river. Derlacki said they were able to douse the blaze before it spread out of the canyon, toward nearby homes.
The abandoned campfire was on Bend Park and Rec property in a non-trail area along the river, Derlacki said. The park district is working to reduce the risk of future fires in the area with “no trespassing” signs and possible fuels reduction work if needed.
“The Bend Fire Department wants to remind everyone that campfires and warming fires are allowed year round within our boundaries but must comply with our burn regulations at all times,” Derlacki said in a news release.
One main component, he said, is you must have permission of the property owner to have a camp or warming fire.
Bend Parks and Rec’s rules prohibit all camp and warming fires on any of their properties. (www.bendparksandrec.org/parks__trails/park_rules)
Campfires also need to be in compliant rings or pits with plenty of clearance to prevent any fire from spreading. A copy of the burn regulations must also be on hand whenever you burn.
Derlacki said that you visit their website www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo for more information on safe burning tips and what is allowed.
For anyone living outside of the Bend Fire Department’s jurisdiction, please check with your local fire agency for their specific rules and regulations on burning.
More information can be obtained by calling Bend Fire’s administration offices at 541-322-6309 during business hours.
Meanwhile, a small grass fire north of Madras burned about three acres Wednesday afternoon off Northwest Birch Lane
While there was no major property loss, one structure, a Bright Wood Corp. storage building, was threatened by the blaze, said Jefferson County Assistant Fire Chief Tom Jaca.
Crews were called out shortly before 3 p.m. Four engines and a water tender from the Jefferson County Fire District were on scene for about three hours, along with 15 personnel, and two BLM engines with eight personnel.
The cause of the fire is undetermined, Jaca said..
