Central Oregon Updates: Fires, Fun, & Community News From the Editor Welcome to Central Oregon Local Buzz, where we deliver concise updates on local happenings. This week highlights include a Pine Mountain prescribed burn escalating into a wildfire, a hiker's rescue from Black Butte Trail, and an upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Fair hosted by Bend Fire & Rescue. Plus, new local developments like the opening of Alpenglow Park Splash Pad, temporary closure of Shevlin Park Fishing Pond, and more news affecting Central Oregon. ⛑️Fire & Rescue News 🔥 Pine Mountain Prescribed Burn Near Bend Escapes Containment Lines A prescribed burn southeast of Bend near Pine Mountain grew into what officials are now calling the Pine Mountain Fire after several spot fires crossed containment lines Thursday. The burn, managed by the Deschutes National Forest, was part of a planned multi-day fuel reduction project covering up to 2,008 acres about 14 miles southeast of Bend.
Fire officials later announced that additional ignitions were canceled due to unfavorable conditions as crews focused on mop-up and containment efforts. Temporary closures remain in place around Pine Mountain, including Forest Service Road 2017, nearby recreation areas, and the campground while firefighters continue operations. Smoke from the prescribed burn and resulting fire activity has been visible across parts of Central Oregon this week. Read more →
🔥 Improperly Discarded Oily Rags Blamed for Bend House Fire Fire crews responded to a structure fire Wednesday afternoon at a historic home on NW Florida Avenue in Bend after callers reported smoke and flames coming from the back of the residence. The fire broke out around 12:44 p.m. at one of Bend’s original mill houses, built in 1925. Crews were able to quickly knock down the flames, but extensive overhaul work was needed due to fire spreading into the attic space of the older home.
Investigators determined the fire started outside the home after oily rags from a recent project were improperly thrown into household trash. The flames traveled up the wood siding and into the attic, leaving the home uninhabitable. The American Red Cross is assisting two adults and two dogs displaced by the fire. Bend Fire & Rescue is reminding residents that oil-based paint, stain, and varnish rags can spontaneously ignite if not disposed of properly. Officials recommend laying oily rags flat outdoors to dry completely before sealing them in a metal container with water and detergent prior to disposal.
🥾 Injured Hiker Rescued from Black Butte Trail Near Sisters An injured hiker was rescued Tuesday morning from the Black Butte Trail near Sisters after authorities say he slipped and was unable to continue hiking. Jefferson County Search and Rescue responded around 11:30 a.m. to the trailhead area with assistance from Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire and Rescue and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said the elderly man suffered injuries in the fall and was later transported to a hospital for treatment. Black Butte, one of Central Oregon’s most recognizable volcanic landmarks near Sisters, is a popular hiking destination that sees heavy seasonal use. Read more →
🚨 Pedestrian Killed in Highway 97 Crash Near Warm Springs A 42-year-old Warm Springs woman was killed Tuesday night after being struck by multiple vehicles along Highway 97 in Wasco County, according to the Oregon State Police. Investigators say the incident happened around 10:24 p.m. near milepost 61.5, close to Bake Oven Road, when a southbound semi-truck hit the pedestrian who was reportedly walking in the travel lane.
OSP identified the victim as Lutah Avis Wallulatum. Authorities believe she had been traveling in a vehicle that broke down a short distance away before the crash occurred. After being struck by the semi-truck, Wallulatum was then hit by a second vehicle traveling northbound that has not yet been identified. The driver of the Peterbilt semi, Larry Wayne Lorenz, was not injured and cooperated with investigators. Highway 97 was impacted for approximately 4.5 hours during the investigation. 🚨Crime News 🚨 Portland Firefighter Arrested in Deschutes County Child Luring Investigation A lieutenant with Portland Fire & Rescue
was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he sent sexually explicit messages and images to a child in Deschutes County. Authorities identified the suspect as Vincent Ramon Alvarez, 59, of Portland. Detectives say the investigation began after the minor reported inappropriate online communications to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office in 2025.
Investigators later connected some of the messages to a Portland fire station and arrested Alvarez at the station where he worked as a lieutenant. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges including luring a minor and first-degree official misconduct. Officials said the case is unrelated to another recent investigation involving a different Portland firefighter. Read more → ⛰️Bend 🍎 Bend High Teacher Named Finalist for Oregon Educator of the Year Heidi Friesen, a chemistry and physics teacher at Bend Senior High School, has been named one of eight finalists for the OnPoint Community Credit Union Oregon Educator of the Year award. Friesen is one of two finalists in the 9th–12th grade category and was recognized for her hands-on, evidence-based approach to science education.
Friesen said she focuses on helping students better understand the world through scientific thinking, using both data and real-world experiences in the classroom. Winners in each category — K-5, 6-8, 9-12, and Gold Star — will receive a year of paid rent or mortgage assistance along with a $2,500 donation for their school. Runners-up will receive $5,000 personally and an additional $1,500 for school resources and supplies. Read more →
🍔 MidCity SmashBurger Relocating to New Base Camp Food Truck Lot in Bend Popular Bend food truck MidCity SmashBurger is preparing to relocate to the new Base Camp food truck lot on the city’s west side, marking a major shift after four years at its original location. Owners say the move represents an exciting new chapter for the locally loved burger spot as Bend’s food cart scene continues to expand.
The new Base Camp lot is expected to bring together several food vendors in a community-style setting, giving MidCity SmashBurger increased visibility and a fresh space to serve customers. Fans of the truck can still expect the same smashburgers and menu favorites when the move is complete. Read more → ✈️Redmond 📱 Destination Redmond Launches New Digital Visitor Guides Destination Redmond has unveiled its latest digital visitor guides, aimed at enhancing the experience for tourists and locals alike. These guides are designed to provide comprehensive information on local attractions, dining options, outdoor activities, and cultural events. The initiative aligns with Redmond's efforts to boost tourism and provide easy access to information for visitors exploring the area.
For residents of Central Oregon, the new digital guides mean easier access to stay updated on Redmond's ever-evolving scene. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or hosting out-of-town guests, these guides offer valuable insights and suggestions. The user-friendly format also makes it convenient for both tech-savvy travelers and those looking for quick, on-the-go recommendations. The guides can be accessed online through https://destinationredmond.com Read more → 🪶Madras ☕ Theo’s Longhouse & Strong Coffee Bringing New Gathering Space to Madras Theo's Longhouse Strong Coffee, a locally beloved Warm Springs coffee brand, is expanding its operations by opening a new warehouse in Madras. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, which has built a loyal customer base for its rich and robust coffee offerings.
The opening of a warehouse in Madras signals potential job opportunities and economic growth for the area, providing a boost to the local community. Residents can look forward to enjoying fresh coffee while supporting a business rooted in their cultural heritage. Read more → 🌲Sisters 🚒 Cloverdale Fire Levy Headed to Voters as District Seeks Faster Response Times Voters in Central Oregon will soon decide on a proposed levy for the Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District that district leaders say would help improve staffing levels and emergency response times. The measure is part of a broader push by several rural fire districts across Deschutes County seeking additional funding to keep up with growing call volumes, rising operational costs, and wildfire preparedness needs.
According to the district, the proposed levy would support additional firefighter staffing and help strengthen emergency coverage throughout the Cloverdale area. Fire officials say maintaining quick response capability has become increasingly important following recent wildfire seasons and continued population growth across Central Oregon. The measure will appear on the May 19 primary election ballot. Read more → 🐎Prineville 🏗️ Prineville Restarting Economic Opportunities Study Without Biomass Project City leaders in Prineville are moving forward with a renewed economic opportunities analysis after removing previously discussed biomass energy plans from the process. The analysis is designed to help guide future industrial and commercial growth in the community by identifying land needs and long-term economic development opportunities for the area.
Officials say the decision allows the city to continue planning for future business expansion and job creation while shifting focus away from the controversial biomass component that had previously been tied to the discussion. Prineville has continued to see steady economic growth in recent years, driven by expanding industry, technology investment, and outdoor recreation tourism in Crook County.
📚 Library Book Sale and Community Events Planned in Prineville Book lovers in Prineville will have a chance to stock up on reading material during an upcoming library book sale highlighted in the latest Central Oregonian community events calendar for May 13–26. The sale is part of a busy lineup of local meetings, activities, and community gatherings happening throughout Crook County over the next several weeks.
The calendar also features a variety of local government meetings, recreation programs, and community events scheduled across the region. Organizers encourage residents to check local listings regularly as spring and summer community activities continue ramping up throughout Central Oregon. 🏘️Real Estate Central Oregon Housing Market Shows Subtle Changes The Central Oregon housing market is experiencing subtle yet significant shifts. Recent reports indicate a stabilization in home prices following a period of intense growth. While the market remains competitive, the pace of sales has slowed slightly, offering buyers a bit more leverage than in previous months. Inventory levels are also showing a gradual increase, which could further impact pricing dynamics in the coming months.
This information is crucial for potential buyers and sellers, as it suggests a more balanced market environment. For buyers, the increased inventory and stabilizing prices may represent an opportune moment to enter the market. For sellers, understanding these shifts can help in setting realistic price expectations and preparing for potentially longer listing times. Staying informed about these changes can aid in making smart real estate decisions in the current market climate. Read more → | 
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