Local Climber Presumed Dead, Fires Prompt Evacuations From the Editor Welcome to the latest edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. Today, we begin with the tragic news from Mount Jefferson, where a climber from Idaho is now presumed dead after a fall. Our coverage also includes a brush fire near a Bend hotel that was swiftly contained, a house fire causing significant damage, and back-to-back rescue missions by Deschutes County SAR for injured hikers. We also report on wind-driven fires in Warm Springs leading to mass evacuations and the expansion of containment efforts for the Akawa Butte Fire. Additionally, we highlight the local bakery phenomenon around the sell-out success of 'Jimothy' cookies. ⛑️Fire & Rescue News 🔥 Brush Fire Near Bend Hotel Quickly Contained; House Fire Causes $100K in Damage Bend Fire & Rescue responded to two separate fires Thursday afternoon, first stopping a fast-moving brush fire behind the Red Lion Hotel on Butler Market Road before it could threaten the building. Firefighters, assisted by Bend Police and the U.S. Forest Service, contained the blaze at just over one acre after evacuating the hotel as a precaution. Guests were allowed back inside within the hour, while Butler Market Road and part of the Bend Parkway were temporarily impacted during firefighting operations. Investigators believe the fire started from an abandoned campfire at a nearby houseless encampment, and Bend Police continue to investigate.
While crews were still mopping up the brush fire, another call came in for a house fire on Starling Drive. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home, whose occupants were away, and determined the fire was caused by food left cooking on the stove after the homeowners briefly returned home and left again. The fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the home and its contents, and the Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary housing. Fire officials are reminding residents that outdoor burning is prohibited during the region's extreme fire danger and urging everyone to stay attentive while cooking to help prevent avoidable fires.
🥾 Deschutes County SAR Rescues Two Injured Hikers on Back-to-Back Missions Deschutes County Search and Rescue volunteers were called into action twice in as many days this week, helping hikers in distress at Smith Rock State Park and near Green Lakes. On July 22, crews responded to Misery Ridge Trail after a 58-year-old visitor from the San Francisco area became severely dehydrated and was unable to safely hike down. Search and Rescue volunteers, along with Bend Fire & Rescue, Redmond Fire & Rescue, and a Smith Rock State Park ranger, reached the woman, provided medical care, and safely transported her down the trail in a wheeled litter before she was taken to St. Charles Bend for further treatment.
The following day, SAR teams hiked approximately 4.5 miles into the Green Lakes area after receiving a text-to-911 from an 18-year-old Sunriver man who injured his leg while descending Broken Top. After determining he could not hike out on his own, volunteers transported him back to the trailhead in a wheeled litter, where friends drove him to St. Charles Bend for evaluation. The Sheriff's Office reminds anyone heading outdoors to carry plenty of water, let someone know their plans, and use extra caution during hot or smoky hiking conditions. 🪶Madras 🔥 Wind-Driven Warm Springs Fires Trigger Mass Evacuations, State Emergency Response Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate Saturday night as the rapidly growing Bench and Beachcomb fires tore across the Warm Springs Reservation, prompting Gov. Tina Kotek to invoke the Conflagration Act and mobilize additional firefighting resources from across Oregon. Driven by powerful winds, the Bench Fire jumped the Deschutes River, igniting spot fires along both sides of Highway 26 and threatening homes, power infrastructure, and the Warm Springs community. Firefighters spent the night protecting homes, reinforcing dozer lines, and installing sprinkler systems along the community's edge.
Among those evacuated were Kara Madison and her husband, who were trapped in traffic outside Indian Head Casino before being escorted through flames by a pilot car. Madison described seeing fire on both sides of the highway and at least one home burning, calling the scene "apocalyptic." Fire officials said embers were carried up to a mile ahead of the fire by strong winds, creating dangerous new spot fires. The Bench and Beachcomb fires have grown rapidly and may have merged into one large incident as crews continue working to protect homes and critical infrastructure. Read more → ⛑️Fire & Rescue News 🏔️ Missing Mount Jefferson Climber Presumed Dead After Fall A 37-year-old Idaho man is presumed dead after falling while attempting to summit Mount Jefferson, according to the Linn County Sheriff's Office. Jared Empey of Kuna, Idaho, was reported missing after failing to check in with his wife on July 24. Earlier that day, two climbers called 911 after witnessing a man fall from near the Red Saddle area on the mountain's west side into the remote Milk Creek drainage.
Search crews, including the Oregon Army National Guard, conducted both ground and helicopter operations, locating Empey's backpack and climbing gear at the base of the mountain. Based on witness accounts and the terrain involved, investigators believe the fall was not survivable, and officials say recovering his body may not be possible due to the hazardous conditions. Read more → 🌲Sisters 🔥 Akawa Butte Fire Crews Expand Containment as Conditions Improve Firefighters made steady progress Sunday on the Akawa Butte Fire west of Sisters, with reduced fire activity allowing crews to expand mop-up operations around most of the fire's perimeter. Smoke remained visible on the southeast slope of Little Akawa Butte, but containment lines held throughout the day, and a single spot fire near Forest Road 780 was quickly contained. Firefighters have now laid an impressive 39 miles of hose to reach deeper into the burn area, helping extinguish hidden hot spots and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Crews will continue strengthening containment lines and protecting structures overnight. Power remains shut off for homes between Stevens Canyon Road and Pine Glen Road, north of Indian Ford Road, to ensure firefighter safety. Officials are also urging drivers to slow down near the fire area, as heavy equipment, emergency vehicles, and shifting smoke can quickly create hazardous road conditions. While the Red Flag Warning expired Sunday evening, warm and dry weather is expected to continue through the week. Read more → ✈️Redmond 🦝Local Bakery's 'Jimothy' Cookies a Sell-out Success A bakery in Redmond is experiencing a sweet success with its latest creation, the 'Jimothy' cookies, which have been selling out daily. This trend began shortly after the bakery introduced these cookies, attracting a significant increase in customer footfall driven by social media buzz and word of mouth. The cookies, known for their unique flavor combination and homemade charm, have quickly become a local favorite, contributing to the bakery's rising popularity.
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