Firefighters to conduct prescribed burns in Bend-Fort Rock and Crescent districts
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest are planning prescribed burning operations for Thursday, May 7, 2026, aimed at protecting homes from wildfires.
The burns are scheduled for the Bend-Fort Rock and Crescent Ranger Districts, provided conditions remain favorable for ignition.
The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District intends to conduct ignitions on the Pine Mountain Prescribed Burn, targeting up to 510 acres located 14 miles southeast of Bend. The Crescent Ranger District plans to ignite the remaining 80 acres on the DMR three Prescribed Burn units, situated five miles southeast of Crescent.
Fire management officials are coordinating with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to ensure prescribed burns are conducted when weather conditions are most likely to move smoke away from communities.
Ignitions for the Pine Mountain burn are slated for 9:30 a.m. and could continue through Friday if conditions are favorable. Smoke from this operation will be highly visible from Highway 20, Bend and the surrounding area, with residual smoke expected to be visible afterward.
The Pine Mountain area is currently subject to temporary closures, affecting traffic, off-highway vehicles and paragliding. Forest Service Road 2017 is closed, as are the Pine Mountain Campground and dispersed recreation opportunities.
For the DMR three units near Crescent, ignitions are planned for 9:00 a.m. Smoke will be visible from Highway 97. For residents in both the Pine Mountain and Crescent areas, smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours and they are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize these effects.
All prescribed burns taking place on Thursday are being supported by participants from this year's Central Oregon Prescribed Fire Training Exchange. Prescribed burns are a tool to protect homes from tragic wildfires, although communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a burn despite preventive measures.
During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas. Residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night and to use portable air cleaners if available. Using a central air system with high-efficiency filters is also recommended. Drivers in smoky areas should slow down, turn on headlights and set their vehicle's air system to recirculating.
Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma or other chronic conditions should monitor how they feel. If symptoms worsen, contacting a health care professional is advised. More information on smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon, as well as smoke preparedness resources, is available at centraloregonfire.org.
Closures in the Pine Mountain area will remain in place for multiple days to allow for mop-up and patrol operations after the prescribed burn is completed. Firefighters will reopen roads and recreation sites once conditions have been assessed and determined safe for the public.
