Brushfire breaks out along Hwy. 97 north of Bend

A fire of undetermined origin broke out along U.S. Highway 97 north of Bend Thursday afternoon, burning a narrow roadside strip about 200 feet long along the southbound side of the highway.

Bend Fire Department crews responded around 3:15 p.m. to the reported fire burning in light fuels along the west side of the road, Battalion Chief Dave Howe said.

Although one juniper tree torched, Howe said firefighters were able to control the blaze les than 20 minutes after the first engine arrived.

Bend responded with a total of four engine crews, three for brush and another for any need structural protection. Fortunately, Howe said there was no damage or threat to exposed structures or vehicles.

An Oregon Department of Forestry engine also was requested but was canceled before arrival, Howe said.

The fire official reminded residents in a news release that even though fall days are getting shorter and the nights cooler, months with no measurable rain mean “the grasses, brush and trees are still very dry and fuel moistures are remarkably low.”

“These fuels can still ignite very easily, so please continue to be very careful with sources of ignition,” Howe added.