Another winter on China Hat Road: What the houseless are doing to prepare for the cold and snow

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Homeless people living in Bend are preparing as best they can as temperatures drop and snow is building in the mountains. Those living along China Hat Road south of Bend are expecting another difficult winter, and the weather-related dangers are ever-present.

To stay warm, many use tarps and sleeping bags for insulation. Area nonprofits have provided blankets and space heaters to some living on the streets, but the dangers of highly flammable materials and propane tanks have caused devastating issues.

Last year, a homeless woman died after being injured in a fire - she'd been using a space heater in a makeshift shelter off China Hat Road.

Brooklyn, who lives off China Hat, says she lost all of her personal belongings in a tent fire five years ago.

Isabella Warren is meeting with Brooklyn and others living in the area, to learn how they prepare for the long, cold winter. Her report is coming up tonight on NewsChannel 21 at Five.