Crews contain apparent vehicle fire which broke out off Highway 97 in north Bend near the homeless encampment ‘Dirt World’
Harley Coldiron
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire has contained a fire that broke out at 2:35 PM in north Bend off Highway 97, near the homeless encampment known as “Dirt World.” According to Pulse Point, the fire appears to have been started from a vehicle.
Dan Derklacki with Bend Fire told our reporter on the scene that the blaze quickly started other fires, which his crews were able to quickly put out. The exact cause is being investigated.
KTVZ News captured firefighters putting out what appears to be a vehicle or RV, burned to its studs. The video shows that the fire was in the ‘Dirt World’ fire encampment, known officially as Juniper Ridge.
A viewer sent KTVZ News shocking images just minutes after the blaze started, which show dark, thick, black smoke pouring into the sky.
The size of Dirt World has grown in size over the past few months, as federal officials shut down camps on China Hat Road and other public land.
KTVZ News has reported on many fires at the homeless encampment, which have neighbors and officials concerned.