Wildfires Rage and Community Unites From the Editor Welcome to Wednsday's edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. We deliver concise updates on local news and events to keep you informed. This issue highlights the ongoing wildfires across the region, surpassing previous records and impacting thousands. Our coverage includes stories on these events and other critical news affecting the community. 📰Local News Featured 🔥 Oregon Wildfires Surge Past Last Year's Total, Thousands Impacted Across State Oregon's wildfire season intensified dramatically this week, with 26 major wildfires burning across the state, more than 420,000 acres scorched, and roughly 1,000 people under evacuation orders. Officials say Oregon has become the nation's top wildfire priority, with nearly all available state firefighting resources committed. While cooler weather and possible rain could bring some relief, forecasters warn that thunderstorms expected this week may also produce lightning capable of sparking new fires.
Several of the state's largest fires are burning in Central Oregon, including the Brewer Fire, Akawa Butte Fire, Coyote Fire, and Henry Fire, all of which continue to prompt evacuation notices and road closures. Other major incidents across eastern and southern Oregon have also expanded, stretching firefighting resources statewide. Read more for a full statewide wildfire update, including the latest acreage, containment figures, evacuation information, and what weather conditions could mean for the days ahead. Read more → ⛑️Fire & Rescue News 🚨 Pedestrian Dies After Train Collision Near Reed Market Road A man died Monday morning after being struck by a BNSF freight train near the Reed Market Road railroad crossing in southeast Bend. Bend Police responded to the scene around 4:38 a.m. after the train conductor reported hitting a pedestrian near the crossing. Officers found the man unconscious alongside the tracks and immediately began CPR before Bend Fire & Rescue transported him to St. Charles Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident forced the closure of Reed Market Road in both directions for approximately two hours while Bend Police and BNSF Railway investigators processed the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and the victim's identity has not yet been released pending notification of family members.
🕊️ Madras Man Dies in ATV Crash While Defending Property from Brewer Fire A 58-year-old Madras man died Monday afternoon after an ATV crash while working to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Stacy Chiddix was using his personal ATV on steep terrain when he was ejected, and the vehicle overturned, pinning him beneath it. Friends who were with Chiddix freed him from the ATV, began lifesaving efforts, and called for help, but despite the response from Jefferson County Fire & EMS, deputies, and emergency personnel, he died at the scene.
Sheriff Jason Pollock emphasized that Chiddix was not riding recreationally but was doing everything he could to defend his home from the wildfire. Due to the remote location, rugged terrain, and active fire conditions, responders reached the scene using off-road vehicles while Frontier 911 coordinated the complex response and prepared for a possible Life Flight evacuation. The sheriff extended condolences to Chiddix's family and friends and reminded residents that wildfire zones present dangers beyond the flames, urging anyone choosing to stay and protect property to remain aware of the rapidly changing conditions. Read more →
🔥 Akawa Butte Fire Prompts More Evacuation Upgrades Near Sisters Fire officials expanded and upgraded evacuation zones Tuesday as the Akawa Butte Fire continued to push southwest under changing weather conditions. By Tuesday evening, a portion of private property north of Indian Ford Creek to the National Forest boundary was upgraded from Level 1 (Be Ready) to Level 2 (Be Set). Earlier in the day, officials also issued new Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations for portions of Sage Flat and Stevens Canyon east of Forest Service Road 2050, while additional Level 2 and Level 1 notices were added for areas near Indian Ford Road, Camp Polk Road, Wilt Road, and surrounding Forest Service lands north of Sisters.
Residents in Level 3 areas should leave immediately, while those in Level 2 zones should be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice as conditions can change rapidly. Existing evacuation notices remain in effect, and officials continue to encourage residents to monitor the latest evacuation maps, sign up for Deschutes Alerts, and follow updates as firefighters work to contain the blaze. A Red Cross shelter remains open at Sisters High School for those displaced by the fire. ⛰️Bend 🎼 Young Listeners' Guild Makes Classical Music More Accessible for Kids Families can experience the Sunriver Music Festival together this summer thanks to a special offer from the Young Listeners' Guild. The program is providing free concert tickets for children and teens ages 17 and under with the purchase of a regular-priced adult ticket, making it easier for young audiences to enjoy the festival's 50th Golden Anniversary Season. The promotion applies to all classical and pops concerts throughout the year.
The festival's main concert series runs August 10–20 at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and Bend's Tower Theatre, with a special family concert, "Harry Potter & the Instruments of the Orchestra," scheduled for August 14 at SHARC in Sunriver. The Young Listeners' Guild also accepts donations to help provide free tickets and inspire the next generation of classical music lovers. Read more →
🚗 Wildfire Season Can Change Travel Plans in Minutes With wildfire activity increasing across Oregon, travelers are being urged to check road conditions before heading out. Smoke, active fires, emergency response operations, and rapidly changing weather can lead to unexpected highway closures, delays, and poor visibility, especially in Central and Eastern Oregon. Officials recommend checking conditions before leaving and monitoring them throughout your trip, as situations can change quickly.
Drivers are encouraged to keep extra water, food, medications, and a full tank of gas when traveling through fire-prone areas, and to have alternate routes in mind if closures occur. Travelers can monitor the latest road conditions through TripCheck and stay informed about wildfire activity using official fire information resources before and during their travels Read more → 🪶Madras 🎡 Jefferson County Fair Opens Despite Smoky Conditions The Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo is moving forward as scheduled this week, despite smoky skies caused by nearby wildfires. The four-day event begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday, with organizers implementing safety measures that include providing masks at entry gates for those sensitive to smoke and using high-capacity air filtration systems inside indoor venues.
Fair officials say they will continue to monitor air quality throughout the event and are prepared to adjust activities if conditions worsen. However, organizers hope to keep the fair running, noting that many 4-H and FFA youth have spent months raising livestock for this moment. While some events could be modified if necessary, a full cancellation is not anticipated at this time. Read more → 🐎Prineville 🐄 Crook County Search & Rescue Evacuates Livestock from Brewer Fire Crook County Search and Rescue crews are doing more than helping residents evacuate as the Brewer Fire continues to threaten areas north of Prineville. While teams have been going door-to-door notifying homeowners in evacuation zones, they also responded to an unusual rescue mission involving livestock trapped near the fire.
The agency's mounted search and rescue team safely evacuated three steers and three alpacas from a property on McKay Creek Road, helping move the animals out of harm's way. Sharing the rescue on social media, the team summed up the effort with a simple message: "Our job is never done." The evacuation highlights the many ways emergency responders are working to protect both people and animals during the ongoing wildfire response. Read more →
🥪 Prineville Community Packs Lunches and Encouragement for Firefighters As the Brewer Fire burns north of Prineville and the Coyote Fire burns to the south, local businesses and residents are rallying behind the firefighters working to protect the community. The Sandwich Factory has been preparing hundreds of lunches for crews, and co-owner Celena Pentrack invited the community to include handwritten notes of encouragement with each meal. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of heartfelt messages, children's drawings, and handmade cards arriving within just a few hours.
The outpouring of support has become a reminder to firefighters that the community is behind them. Other local businesses have also stepped up, with Prineville Coffee Company and The Butcher Block donating coffee, food, and supplies to help keep crews fueled during the ongoing wildfire response. Read more → 🌞La Pine/Sunriver 🚔 Investigation Underway After Death Outside Sunriver Public Safety Building Sunriver Police are investigating after an adult man was found dead outside the Sunriver Public Safety Building on Abbott Drive late Monday morning. Police and Sunriver Fire responded around 11:55 a.m., where crews determined the man was deceased. The building and its parking lot were closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene.
Authorities said the death appears to be the result of a self-inflicted injury and is considered an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the public. The man's identity has not been released out of respect for his family, and the investigation remains ongoing. The Public Safety Building has since reopened. Read more → 📰Deschutes County 💼 Heart of Oregon Corps Career Fair Connects Young Adults with Local Employers Heart of Oregon Corps is helping young adults take the next step toward employment by hosting a career fair designed to connect job seekers with local businesses and training opportunities. The event will bring together employers from a variety of industries, giving attendees the chance to explore career paths, network with hiring managers, and learn about available jobs and workforce programs. Heart of Oregon Corps serves youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 through employment, education, and job training programs that help prepare them for long-term success.
Organizers encourage participants to come prepared with resumes and questions for employers, whether they're looking for their first job, a career change, or additional training opportunities. The career fair is part of Heart of Oregon Corps' ongoing mission to build a stronger workforce while helping local young adults gain valuable experience and meaningful employment. Read more → In these challenging times, it's heartening to see the community coming together to support each other and recognize the contributions of our local heroes. As we navigate the unpredictable conditions brought on by the wildfires, let's stay informed and continue to uplift one another. Stay safe and stay connected with local happenings. | 
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