Fifty years after its debut, the Pole Pedal Paddle returns tomorrow, uniting Bend’s community for a unique multi-sport challenge and a major fundraiser for youth athletics. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, which benefits from the event, currently serves around 800 young athletes, offering programs in snow sports and cycling. Seven-time elite division winner Marshall Greene highlights the spirit of the event as a celebration of Bend’s active lifestyle. Due to minimal snowfall, this year’s race features running instead of skiing. The competition kicks off at 9:15 a.m. at Mt. Bachelor, with festivities continuing at River Bend Park.

 

 

Bend Police are sounding the alarm about the rapid rise in high-speed e-bikes and e-motorcycles throughout the city. Officers report growing concerns as underage riders—some as young as 13 or 14—are caught illegally using these electric vehicles on roads and trails. Many of these e-bikes can exceed 40 miles per hour but aren’t legal within city limits or on public trails. The department is urging parents and all riders to verify if their e-bike is street legal before heading out. Authorities emphasize the importance of safety and knowledge of traffic laws, especially for young riders.

 

Starting Wednesday, campfire bans will be enforced on BLM lands along the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day… and White Rivers, as well as near Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.

All open flames, charcoal, and portable campfires are prohibited, while propane stoves remain permitted with caution.

On Thursday, the 14th, fire restrictions expand to all BLM-managed lands throughout Oregon and Washington.

Officials warn this season could bring record heat and dryness.

Learn more at Central Oregon Fire dot org.
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photo credit: Bend Fire

A garage fire erupted early Sunday on NW Crossing Drive in Bend, quickly spreading into one of five attached townhomes. Fire crews arrived to find flames already inside the residence, prompting a rapid response to contain the blaze. While one neighboring unit suffered minor smoke and soot damage, four of the five townhomes remain habitable. The origin residence sustained heavy damage, forcing the homeowner to seek alternative shelter, though they declined Red Cross assistance. Estimated losses include $500,000 to the structure, $75,000 in contents, and $8,000 to a vehicle outside. Fire investigators are still working to determine the cause.

UPDATE: Monday May 11

Firefighters continue to make progress against the Pine Mountain Fire southeast of Bend.  Fire officials say the blaze is now 70 percent contained.  The fire burned nearly 26-hundred acres.  The east perimeter of the fire is contained.  Firefighters are working to strengthen the remaining lines around the fire.  It was caused by a prescribed burn that was blown out of control by winds last Tuesday.

 

The Pine Mountain Fire, sparked from a prescribed burn that crossed containment lines Thursday afternoon, has spread to an estimated 2,483 acres southeast of Bend. Firefighters on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District responded rapidly after declaring it a wildfire, allowing for immediate deployment of additional crews, engines, and aircraft. Smoke from the blaze is expected to be visible from Highway 20, Bend, and the Newberry Caldera. Despite favorable initial conditions, spot fires ignited outside the planned area, quickly turning the situation into an emergency response. Residents are urged to remain aware as firefighting efforts continue.  The Pine Mountain Fire is currently 15% contained. 

photo credit: Bend Fire

Investigators say oily rags improperly discarded in household trash caused Wednesday’s fire on NW Florida Avenue.

Flames from the historic 1925 mill house spread quickly from the exterior up into the attic, leaving the home unlivable.

The Red Cross is helping two adults and two dogs who were displaced. Fire officials are urging residents to dry oil-soaked rags outdoors, store them in a sealed metal container with water, and take them to the hazardous waste facility for safe disposal.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation declaring May Wildfire Awareness Month.  The lack of winter snow, warmer spring temperatures and less predicted rain will cause fire season to start early and last longer.  The Oregon State Fire Marshall's Office says homeowners should take steps now to protect their property, including making a five-foot barrier around their homes.

 

Prescribed burns are planned today (Wed) near Crescent, three miles west of Sisters… and the continuing burn of two-thousand acres on Pine Mountain, southeast of Bend.

 

 

photo credit: Bend Fire

Fire crews from Bend and Redmond responded quickly to a brush fire along Tumalo Road between Valeview and 92^nd Monday afternoon. Residents and passersby, armed with shovels and hoses, helped slow the flames until firefighters arrived. Thanks to their efforts and the work of four brush engines, the blaze was contained to less than an acre and around a quarter mile in length. While several fences suffered damage, no homes or vehicles were affected. Authorities believe the fire started when hot debris—possibly from a vehicle’s brakes or catalytic converter—ignited the dry roadside vegetation. Drivers are urged to check their vehicles and trailers to help prevent future fires.

photo credit: oregonhikers.org

As spring weather brings more people outside, authorities are urging residents to secure vehicles and keep valuables out of sight at recreation areas.

 

 

photo credit: Bend Bulletin

Meta’s data center in Prineville is preparing for significant staff reductions after Milestone Technologies announced it will lay off 66 employees when its contract with Meta concludes.

The workers, whose jobs include data center logistics, operations, and engineering, will begin leaving their positions on June 28.

None of the employees affected are represented by a union, according to the company’s notification.

Meta, the parent company for Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp recently announced a layoff of 10-percent of its staff.