Bend-area burn restrictions still in place despite cooldown

Although the Fire Danger level for Central Oregon has beenreduced from “Extreme” to “High,” with cooler temperatures and rain in the forecast, fuels are still dry enough to ignite readily.

Wind speeds are up a bit, so if a fire were to start, it will be able to escape control fairly quickly.

Therefore, the burning restriction in place for the City of Bend and the Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #2 will remain in effect.

“We anticipate that the weather will warm this weekend, and the elevated winds can dry the fuels out in a matter of hours,” Bend Fire Battalion Chief Dave Howe said Monday. “We appreciate the public response to the high fire danger levels in helping keep our community safe.”