Controlled training burn planned south of Bend, Monday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters are planning a controlled training burn south of Bend on Monday as part of a wildland fire investigation course and simulated wildfire response exercise.

If conditions allow, crews will ignite about seven acres roughly 10 miles south of Bend and three miles south of Bessie Butte. The burn is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., according to fire officials.

The operation will support the field portion of the FI-210 Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination course, which is designed to prepare participants for roles as wildland fire investigators. The training gives firefighters hands-on experience with investigation techniques, evidence collection and documentation in a range of wildfire scenarios.

Smoke from the burn will likely be visible from Highway 97 and surrounding areas, though officials say no trail or road closures are expected.

Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the area until the burn is declared out.

Central Oregon residents can find more information at centraloregonfire.org or through the Deschutes National Forest website. Officials also encourage the public to follow @CentralORFire on X or text “COFIRE” to 888-777 for wildfire and prescribed fire alerts.