BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a small brush fire off Empire Avenue and the northbound Bend Parkway on-ramp Sunday afternoon and was able to contain it to about a quarter-acre with assistance from U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry personnel.
Shortly after 3 p.m., Deschutes County Emergency Services received its first calls about the brush fire, and the first responders to arrive found the fire in the brush just east of the driveway, said Deputy Fire Chief Cindy Kettering.
BNSF Railway train service was briefly suspended as firefighters worked alongside the tracks, Kettering said, adding that the fire did not spread to the tracks and no buildings were at risk.
The spread of the fire was quickly stopped and the area was contained to a quarter of a hectare, Kettering said.
ODOT and Bend Police provided traffic control in the area, with westbound Empire Avenue and northbound Parkway temporarily closed.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated, the fire official said.
“Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that despite slightly cooler temperatures, extreme fire danger still exists,” Kettering added in a press release.
“Any fire is very likely to spread quickly and burn intensely,” she wrote. “Caution should be exercised near dry vegetation, especially around potential ignition sources such as cigarettes, hot car exhaust and pipes, use of cutting equipment, or cutting/grinding metal.”
