Euston Fire NW of Redmond now 90% contained; Level 1 ‘Be Ready’ evacuation alert lifted

(Update: 90% containment; Level 1 notice lifted)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Firefighters reached 90% containment by late Thursday of the Euston Fire northwest of Redmond, sparked by an illegal outdoor burn - and on Friday, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office on Friday lifted the Level 1 'BE SET' evacuation alert for residents in the area.

"Firefighters have made significant progress mopping up the Euston Fire north of Redmond. This allows us to drop all Level 1: Be Ready evacuation notices," sheriff's Lt. Nathan Garibay said.

"Thanks for all the solid work!" Central Oregon fire officials said in an earlier update.

Central Oregon Fire Management Service said in a Thursday evening post to X that officials "received some calls from concerned neighbors about trees torching — these trees are interior and fire personnel are aware! Keep eyes out for possible embers carried by the wind, but know they’ve got a secure perimeter and will be monitoring. Thank you!"

Redmond Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal Tom Mooney confirmed to KTVZ News that a homeowner who burned cheatgrass sparked the fast-spreading fire that threatened a dozen structures and knocked out a Central Electric Cooperative transmission line serving more than 10,000 members.

Mooney said the homeowner was cited for reckless burning and will be fined $335 as a result. They also could be billed for firefighting costs.