Second recent brush fire near La Pine homeless camp stopped fast; authorities seek ‘person of interest,’ public info
Barney Lerten
(Update: Adding video)
La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — For the second time in recent weeks, a brush fire broke out near a transient camp on BLM land off Darlene Way and Rosland Road in La Pine, and Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a person of interest.
The Jolene Fire started around 2:40 p.m. Wednesday and was quickly contained, thanks to the rapid response of Lt. Josh Spano, DCSO deputies, the La Pine Rural Fire District, and fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service, sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Jason Carr said Thursday.
No structures or vehicles were damaged.
Carr said investigators believe the fire was human-caused, and the sheriff’s office is seeking a person of interest.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is asked to call the non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.
News release:
City of La Pine Recognizes Agency Partners in Response to Wildfire
La Pine, OR, July 24, 2025: At approximately 2:30 p.m. July, 23rrd, 2025, the Jolene Fire broke out on BLM land adjacent to the City of La Pine. Due to the quick response of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the blaze was contained and then mitigated by assistance from La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, and wildland firefighting dispatch from the United States Forest Service.
Led by Lieutenant Joshua Spano, DCSO deputies Jon Ebner, Evan Kennedy, and Trey Plamondon were able to use fire extinguishers and shovels to cut lines and establish suppression until firefighting units were on scene. This one-acre incident was reduced from growing into a larger event due to the immediate actions of Lieutenant Spano and his team.
This is the fourth such incident to take place on BLM land during the 2025 summer season adjacent to the City of La Pine, and the City Council of La Pine has requested as of May 28, 2025, increased resources and advocacy from the Prineville District BLM office in matters pertaining to wildfires on BLM property.
The City of La Pine would like to commend the DCSO and responding agency partners for their commitment to public safety and the citizens of the La Pine area.