July 4th Festivities and Unsolved Mysteries From the Editor Welcome to another edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. In this issue, we delve into the vibrant Fourth of July celebrations that have captured the spirit of Central Oregon, from the cherished Bend Pet Parade to the nostalgic Prineville Flashback Cruise Car Show. As the festivities unfolded, we also report on significant events impacting the region, including two homes damaged by a fire in Redmond and illegal fireworks sparking another house fire in the area. The Coyner Fire was contained at 20.7 acres following quick evacuations near Redmond. Additionally, we cover other local stories such as the closure of Little Kits Childcare at OSU Cascades, the long-standing tradition of the Bend Pet Parade, the unity showcased during the Redmond Fourth of July Parade, baffling cattle mutilations puzzling ranchers, and the aftermath of the fireworks on Pilot Butte. ⛑️Fire & Rescue News 🔥 Two Homes Damaged in Redmond Neighborhood Fire A fast-moving fire damaged two neighboring homes in northwest Redmond on the afternoon of July 4 after a resident in the 2700 block of NW Greenwood Avenue was alerted by a passerby that the outside of their home was on fire. Multiple 911 callers reported thick black smoke and flames spreading between two residential properties.
When firefighters arrived, both homes were heavily involved in fire. The incident was upgraded to a second alarm to bring in additional crews. Firefighters successfully stopped the flames from spreading beyond the two affected properties, helping limit further damage. Everyone safely escaped without injury, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Redmond Fire & Rescue was assisted by Bend Fire & Rescue, the Oregon State Police, and the Redmond Police Department.
🎆 Illegal Fireworks Spark Redmond House Fire A house being used for storage was heavily damaged Sunday evening after illegal fireworks ignited a fire in northwest Redmond. Redmond Fire & Rescue responded around 7:30 p.m. to the area of NW 4th Street and NW Hemlock Court, where crews found a manufactured home with heavy flames coming from the front of the structure and fire threatening neighboring homes.
Firefighters quickly stopped the blaze from spreading to nearby properties, but were forced to battle the fire from outside because of the large amount of stored items inside the home, creating unsafe conditions. Investigators determined the fire started when illegal fireworks ignited dry vegetation, which spread to a wooden fence before reaching the home. Officials reminded residents that all fireworks—both legal and illegal—are prohibited within Redmond city limits and that those responsible can be held financially liable for any damage they cause.
🔥 Coyner Fire Held at 20.7 Acres After Prompt Evacuations Near Redmond Firefighters made significant progress on the Coyner Fire north of Redmond after the wildfire sparked Saturday near Coyner Road and NW Helmholtz Way. Fueled by dry conditions and shifting winds, the fire prompted immediate evacuation orders for nearby neighborhoods, with Level 3 "Go Now" notices issued for residents north of Tetherow Road between Helmholtz Way and Ivancovich Road. A temporary evacuation point was opened at Highland Baptist Church as crews worked to protect homes and gain control of the fast-moving fire.
By Sunday, updated GPS mapping showed the fire had reached 20.7 acres and was 10% contained. Firefighters successfully kept the blaze from spreading beyond its long, narrow footprint, though crews reported isolated trees continued to torch about once an hour. Evacuations were reduced to Level 2 "Be Set" for the previously hardest-hit areas as mop-up operations continued with the help of additional contract crews. Two fire engines remained on scene overnight to monitor hot spots and protect nearby structures, while NW Helmholtz Way stayed open with drivers urged to use caution around emergency personnel. ⛰️Bend 🚒Fire on Pilot Butte Post-Fireworks A fire broke out on Pilot Butte following the Fourth of July fireworks display, prompting swift action from local fire crews. The flames were quickly extinguished with minimal damage reported, avoiding a potentially hazardous situation in this popular park area.
Read more →
👶Closure of Little Kits Childcare at OSU Cascades The Little Kits childcare facility located on the OSU Cascades campus in Bend has announced its closure. This decision leaves many parents scrambling to find alternative childcare solutions, as they now face the challenge of re-arranging their schedules and dealing with the sudden lack of nearby childcare options.
This closure is a significant blow to the community, as access to reliable childcare is vital for working families. The added stress of finding a new, suitable facility that meets parents' needs could also affect local businesses that rely on employees being able to work without interruptions. The closure may spark discussions on the broader availability and accessibility of childcare services in the Bend area. Read more →
🐾🎈Bend Pet Parade Celebrates 99 Years with Festive Spirit The 99th Annual Bend Pet Parade returned this Fourth of July, drawing a large crowd eager to celebrate in their favorite outdoor tradition. Residents and visitors alike lined the streets to enjoy the creative costumes and enthusiastic participants, highlighting a beloved event that has become part of Bend's cultural fabric.
For many, the parade offers a fun and engaging way to celebrate the holiday and connect with the community. It also boosts local businesses as visitors often explore the area's shops and restaurants, enhancing the festive spirit while supporting the local economy. The parade continues to be an essential component of Bend's vibrant community life, marking nearly a century of cherished memories. Read more → ✈️Redmond 🎈Redmond Fourth of July Parade Unites Community The Redmond Fourth of July Parade once again brought residents and visitors together in the downtown area, showcasing a vibrant display of community spirit and patriotism. The event featured a diverse array of floats, marching bands, and local organizations, creating a lively and colorful procession that enthralled attendees of all ages. Despite the scorching summer temperatures, families and friends lined the streets early to secure the best vantage points for the parade.
This annual event is a cornerstone of Redmond's cultural calendar, reinforcing local pride and providing an opportunity for people to connect with neighbors and community leaders. For visitors and residents alike, the parade is a reminder of the town's rich traditions and the importance of cherishing local celebrations. Attending these events supports local businesses, fosters community engagement, and contributes to the overall vitality of Redmond's social and economic fabric. Read more → 🐎Prineville 🚗Flashback Cruise Car Show Returns to Prineville for July 4th The Flashback Cruise Car Show made it's return to Prineville July 4th weekend. This annual event is known for featuring a wide variety of classic cars and drawing a crowd from both locals and visitors, making it a much-anticipated fixture in the community's Independence Day celebrations. The event promises not only a display of vintage automobiles but also live music, food vendors, and activities suitable for all ages, providing a full day of entertainment.
Read more → Thanks for tuning into today's newsletter. We hope you found the stories engaging and informative. Stay connected with us as we continue to bring the latest local buzz your way. | 
.png)
Reply