Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The partial federal government shutdown is not slowing things down for travelers at Redmond Municipal Airport, where flights and security screening are operating normally.

While some larger airports around the country are reporting longer security lines and delays as Transportation Security Administration staffing is strained, Redmond officials say they are not seeing those issues locally. The airport’s arrivals and departures board Wednesday night showed all departures on time, with only a couple of delayed arrivals and no widespread cancellations.

Redmond Airport Director Zackary Bass said the shutdown has had no impact so far on how quickly passengers move through TSA screening or on airport operations.

“There’s been no effect on our operations or the time it takes to pass through TSA at this point,” Bass said. “So far, and what we’ve seen in the past with government shutdowns, is we have a great TSA crew here that continues to come to work, and we haven’t seen any impacts so far during this partial shutdown.”

Bass said the airport remains in close contact with federal partners and is continuing to monitor the situation.

For now, he said people flying in and out of Redmond should plan for business as usual, even as the shutdown continues in Washington, D.C.

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 2-day-old burn pile that was believed to be out rekindled in Wednesday’s strong winds northeast of Sisters, burning nearly two acres before crews stopped its spread.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews were dispatched around 1:25 p.m. to a wildland fire reported to be spreading into brush and trees.

It was being pushed by high winds in an area between the 17000 block of Wilt Road and Whychus Canyon Estates northeast of Sisters.

Fire crews arrived on scene and began an initial attack on both flanks of the fire. They were able to stop the forward progress at 2:27 pm, then transitioned into mopping up the blaze.

The total area burned was estimated at 1.8 acres.

“The cause of the fire is a rekindle of a burn pile from two days prior that was believed to be out,” Fire Marshal Jeff Puller said in a news release.

Puller also told KTVZ News, ‘No citations were issued, as this was determined to be an accidental burn and was contained on the homeowners’ property.”  The land owner has a permit issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry to burn on the property, he told us.

Puller offered thanks to their firefighters and partner agencies, Black Butte Ranch Fire District, Cloverdale Fire District, Sisters Ranger District, Oregon Department of Forestry, and our Fire Corps Incident Support Unit (ISU) for their response.

“Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District would like to remind homeowners; with these high winds we are experiencing; to double- and triple-check any old burn piles, to ensure they are completely out and cold to the touch,” he said. “Even piles that appeared extinguished days ago can rekindle under windy conditions and quickly spread.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The stage is set for a busy Central Oregon campaign season leading up to the May 19 primary election, with dozens of incumbents and challengers vying for new and existing positions, and several funding measures sharing the ballot. 

Now that Tuesday’s filing deadline has passed, here’s a look at who’s seeking what positions. 

KTVZ News will have complete Decision 2026 coverage throughout the spring and fall election seasons. 

To vote in the May primary, you have until April 28th to register or change your party affiliation. 

Meanwhile, candidates have until this Friday to withdraw from a race and not appear in the Voters Pamphlet.

The only measure possibly on the statewide ballot – depending on the final outcome of a legal fight – is the gas tax and vehicle fee increase passed by Legislature, sent to the fall ballot on a citizen referendum and moved up to the May primary by the Democrat-led Legislature. Opposing Republicans have challenged that move in court.

You can search for the candidates and their filings in any Oregon congressional, statewide and legislative races at this spot on the secretary of state’s website.

Congress 

Senate Democrat Jeff Merkley is running for his fourth term and faces one party challenger in May, Paul Damian Wells. Seven Republicans are competing to take him on in November: Brent Barker, Deborah C. Brown, David Burch, Russell McAlmond, Jo Rae Perkins, Timothy Skelton and David Brock Smith. 

In the race for House District 2, incumbent Republican Cliff Bentz has drawn two GOP challengers, Andrea Carr and Peter J. Larson. The winner will face one of six Democrats in the race: Chris Beck, Mary Doyle, Rebecca Mueller, Peter Quince, Dawn Rasmussen and Patty Snow. 

The House District 5 race finds incumbent Janelle Bynum with one Democratic challenger, Zeve Rosenbaum. Two Republicans filed for a chance to unseat her: Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair and Jonathan Lockwood. 

Governor

Democrat Tina Kotek, seeking her second four-year term, has drawn nine Democratic challengers: Forest (Fora) Alexander, James Atkinson IV, Donnie Backwith, David W. Beem, Brittany Jones, Cal Kishawi, Steve William Laible, Tristan Sheppard and Miranda Weigler.

And 15 people are on the GOP ballot: Danielle Bethell, Hope A. Dalrymple, Ed Diehl, Christine Drazan, Chris Dudley, Kyle M. Duyck, David Medina, Robert Neuman, Brad T. Peters, Matthew Platt, Paul J. Romero Jr., DeAngelo Leroy Turner, Wen Waddell, Martin Ward and Tim O. Youker.

Oregon Legislature 

House District 54 Representative Jason Kropf faces Democratic challenger Andrew Caruana in May, but no Republican filed to run for the seat in November.

House District 59 Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson faces no GOP challengers, but Democrat Lawrence Jones has filed in a bid to unseat her this fall.

It’s a similar situation for House District 53 Representative Emerson Levy, who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. One Republican, Michael Summers, will be trying to take the seat in November.

Deschutes County 

One closely watched race – between incumbent Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert and James (Mac) McLaughlin – moves to the November general election, under state constitutional requirements, since fewer than three candidates filed for the position. 

County Commissioner Tony DeBone faces two challengers for the Position 1 seat in May, Jamie Collins and Brooke West. John Heylin filed but withdrew his candidacy Dec. 1, while Gary (GW) Campbell pulled out of that race and filed for the Position 3 race. 

Six candidates have filed for the Position 3 seat now held by Adair, who decided to run for the U.S. House seat held by Bynum.  Along with Gary Campbell, voters will choose among  Charles Webster Baer, Lauren Connally, Samuel Facey, Amanda Page and Amy Sabbadini. 

Deschutes County voters who recently approved expanding the three-member, non-partisan commission to five members will have several candidates to choose from for the two new positions, both of which begin with two-year terms.  

Two candidates are now in the Position 4 race – Rick Russell and Chet Wamboldt. Another candidate, Maddie McKinney, announced Wednesday she’s withdrawing from the race and endorsed Russell. Two others, Kathryn Osborne and Samuel Facey, withdrew earlier, and Facey switched to the Position 3 commission race. 

Four candidates are seeking the other new commission seat, Position 5: Ron (Rondo) Boozell, Rob Imhoff, Jennifer Letz and Morgan Schmidt. Two others, Baer and John Nielsen, withdrew from the race last fall. 

Two candidates are on the May ballot for county assessor. Zachary Hastings and Tana West will vie for the position, after Scot Langton’s recent retirement. The race only continues to the November ballot if neither candidate gets more than 50% of the vote.

Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels also is on the May ballot, and is running unopposed.

As KTVZ News recently reported, three Deschutes County fire districts are seeking new or renewed five-year levies for staffing and other needs. They are the only money measures on the county ballot. 

Crook County 

There’s a three-way race for Crook County Commission Position 2, the seat currently held by Brian Barney, who did not file for re-election. Zach Berger, Rick Steber and Julie Thompson, will be vying to fill that seat. 

It’s a similar situation for county treasurer, as two candidates – Bill Anderson and Jessica Barnes – face off to fill the seat currently held by Treasurer Galan Carter, who decided not to run for re-election.

District Attorney Kari Hathorn is also on the ballot, running unopposed.

There are no local money measures on the Crook County ballot. 

Jefferson County 

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock will face former deputy Tyler Anderson for the position – but not until the November general election, since only two candidates filed by Tuesday’s deadline. 

One of the three seats on the Jefferson County Commission in on the ballot. Incumbent Mark Wunsch has two men seeking to unseat him – Tony Chard and George Curtiss. 

Meanwhile, current Commissioner Kelly Simmelink has drawn three challengers: Bill Atherton, Ara Erdekian and Greg Mead. 

Just one person has filed as a candidate for the district attorney post: Eric Nisley, the former Wasco County DA.

As we reported earlier, Jefferson County Library District voters will decide on a $15.9 million bond measure to build new libraries in Madras and Culver. The current Madras library would be remodeled as a multi-use facility, with community meeting space.  

The Camp Sherman Road District will ask for a five-year renewal of its local option tax levy to fund snow plowing, grading and maintenance. 

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras City Council is overseeing city management collectively after the recent departure of an interim city administrator, the continuing struggle to appoint a new police chief and now the resignation of the city’s finance director, officials said Wednesday.

Here ‘s the details as laid out in a news release that KTVZ News received Wednesday afternoon:

City of Madras Provides Update on Leadership Transitions and Ongoing Operations

The City of Madras is currently navigating several leadership transitions while continuing to maintain daily operations and services for the community. The City Council and City staff are actively working through these transitions in a transparent manner, with discussions and actions occurring during publicly noticed City Council meetings.

City services remain fully operational during this period. The City Council expressed appreciation for the work of City staff who continue to support the delivery of services to the Madras community while recruitment efforts move forward for several key leadership positions.

City Administrator Transition

On January 16, 2026, the City Council appointed Public Works Director Jeff Hurd to serve as Interim City Administrator while the Council evaluated next steps for the position.

On February 26, 2026, Mr. Hurd notified the Mayor and City Council of his intent to step down from the Interim City Administrator role and return his full attention to the Public Works Department. The Mayor acknowledged that transition on February 27, 2026, leaving the City Administrator position vacant.

The Madras City Charter establishes the City Administrator as the administrative head of the City organization, responsible for supervising City personnel and administering City operations in accordance with Council policy. The Charter also provides that when the office becomes vacant, the City Council may appoint an Administrator Pro Tem to perform the duties of the office until further action is taken.

Until an interim administrator is appointed, the City is operating in a council-managed structure. Under this structure, the City Council acts as the governing body collectively, and direction to staff occurs only through formal action of the Council during publicly noticed meetings. Individual councilors do not independently direct staff outside of that process.

At the March 4, 2026 City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to begin scheduling interviews with candidates for an interim City Administrator. On March 10th a small panel of councilors interviewed three prospective candidates and is currently working toward a potential agreement. If finalized, the selected candidate would likely be available to begin service in April.

During that March 4th meeting, the Council also discussed how best to maintain continuity of operations during this transition period.

While operating without a City Administrator is not ideal, it is not uncommon during periods of leadership transition. To help ensure timely decision-making, the Council has temporarily scheduled additional special meetings during weeks when a regular council meeting is not otherwise scheduled.

These brief meetings allow the Council to address operational items that may require action without delaying City business until the next regularly scheduled meeting.

At the March 10, 2026 City Council meeting, the Council approved the position profile for the permanent City Administrator recruitment, which was the final step required before formally launching the recruitment process. The position is expected to be posted this week through the City’s recruitment firm, Prothman.

Police Chief Recruitment

The Police Chief position has been under recruitment since July 2025, following the Council’s decision to terminate the former chief (Timothy Plummer).

From July 2025 through January 2026, the City retained Paul Garrison under contract to serve as Interim Police Chief while recruitment efforts were underway. When that agreement concluded in January, the City Council appointed Sergeant Angela Elder to serve as Acting Police Chief.

The Council interviewed candidates earlier this year but was unable to reach an agreement with the preferred candidate. As a result, the Council directed that the recruitment be reopened with assistance from GMP Consultants.

That recruitment effort closed on March 9, 2026. The City Council expects to review candidate materials later this month and determine whether finalists will be invited to participate in interviews anticipated to occur in April.

Finance Department Update

At the March 10, 2026 City Council meeting, Council announced that it had received the immediate resignation of the City’s Finance Director on March 9, 2026.

During the same meeting, the Council took action to ensure continuity of financial operations while the City evaluates interim support options. The timeline for recruitment of a permanent Finance Director has not yet been determined as the City works through the current leadership transitions.

Clarification Regarding Short-Term Project Management Agreement

On February 10, 2026, the City Council approved a short-term professional services agreement with Christy Wurster to provide limited project management support during the administrative transition. This agreement was structured as a short-duration assignment focused on specific projects and was not intended to serve as an interim City Administrator role.

As the City transitioned to a council-managed structure and operational priorities shifted, the project scope outlined in that agreement was no longer necessary. The City Council therefore made the decision to conclude the short-term agreement.

The City appreciates Ms. Wurster’s willingness to offer her professional experience during this transition.

Commitment to the Community

The City Council’s priority remains maintaining stable operations, transparency, and continuity of services for the Madras community while recruitment efforts continue for these key leadership roles.

The Council also expressed appreciation for the work of City employees who continue to support city operations and provide essential services during this transition period.

The Mayor will serve as the primary spokesperson for recorded media interviews regarding these transitions. Media inquiries may be coordinated through the City Recorder’s office.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Wednesday that firefighters plan to start spring understory prescribed burning season as early as next week, if conditions become favorable. At the same time, Central Oregon public health departments urged preparation for the season and the smoke it will bring.

The forest said it hopes to accomplish up to an estimated 11,626 acres of prescribed burning, including up to 7,000 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 2,126 acres on the Crescent Ranger District, and 2,500 acres on the Sisters Ranger District.

Here’s the rest of Wednesday’s Forest Service and public health announcements:

Prescribed burns are slated for the following general areas: 

Bend – one mile west of Bend adjacent to Cascades Lakes Highway, Forest Service Road 41, and Skyliner Road; south of Bend adjacent to Forest Service Road 18; southeast of Bend near Forest Service Road 18 and 25 junction; northern portions of Pine Mountain

Camp Sherman – along Forest Service Road 14 near the base of Black Butte and north of Camp Sherman near Smiling River and Pine Rest Campgrounds

Crescent – five miles southeast of Crescent and east of Highway 97 off Forest Service Road 9760 near Boundary Springs Campground; approximately one mile south of the Two Rivers subdivision; east of Highway 97 near the Highway 97 and 58 junction

La Pine – three miles northeast of La Pine adjacent to McKay Crossing Campground; one mile east of La Pine near Finley Butte; 30 miles southeast of La Pine near Quartz Mountain; south of Highway 31 approximately 12 miles southeast of La Pine

Sisters – within one to five miles south to northwest of Sisters

Sunriver – two miles northeast of Sunriver on the east and west side of Highway 97 near Lava Butte; east side of Highway 97 near the South Century Drive interchange; one mile west of Sunriver along Forest Service Roads 40 and 42 in the vicinities of Anne’s Butte and Pistol Butte

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. Once firefighters ignite prescribed burns, they monitor and patrol the units until they declare the burn out.

Prescribed burns, which are primarily conducted in spring and fall, are carefully planned and implemented under specific conditions of temperature, wind, humidity, and vegetation moisture.

Firefighters work with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Forestry smoke forecasters to identify conditions that will minimize smoke impacts on people and communities.

While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. Most smoke impacts occur during the night and early morning hours.

For more information on prescribed burning and smoke preparedness in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Visit centraloregonfire.org/prescribed-fire-smoke-plans/ to view an interactive map with planned burn locations. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive prescribed burn text alerts. Follow along on X @CentralORFire.

Health officials urge smoke readiness before prescribed burn season

Public health officials in Deschutes, Klamath and Jefferson counties, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, are encouraging residents to get ready for smoke before prescribed burn season begins.

Starting in mid-March, Forest Service crews will conduct prescribed burns on public lands across Central Oregon. Prescribed burns are important because they help reduce the risk of severe wildfires, but the smoke they generate can make air unhealthy to breathe.

“Smoke from prescribed burns and wildfires contain tiny particles you can’t see. Those particles can get deep into your lungs and even into your bloodstream,” said Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett. “Breathing smoky air can make some people sick, especially children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions. If smoke is in the forecast, plan ahead so you can limit time outside and keep the air in your home as clean as possible.”

“The 2024 community health assessment showed people are concerned about smoke in the community,” said Director Jennifer Little of Klamath County Public Health. “We have a GIS map on our website to show where prescribed burns are happening that might affect Klamath County. It also includes the current air quality index and is updated as information is received.”

Important steps to take during smoke season:

Know your AQI. Learn the basics of the Air Quality Index (AQI) now, before smoke arrives.

Check air quality often. Limit time outside when smoke is present, especially if you are in a higher-risk group.

Stay indoors when air quality is poor.

AQI above 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

AQI 150 or higher is unhealthy for everyone.

Keep smoke out of your home. Close windows and doors, especially overnight and early mornings when smoke can be worse.

Make a DIY air filter. Use a box fan and a furnace filter to clean indoor air. Learn how by watching this video.

Wear the right mask. If you must be outside in heavy smoke, wear a NIOSH-approved N95.

Take it easy outdoors. Avoid strenuous exercise when AQI is 150 or higher.

Keep smoke out of your car. Close windows and vents and use the recirculate setting on your A/C.

To learn more about Forest Service prescribed fires, including locations and planned burn dates, visit: centraloregonfire.org.

For more about protecting your health during prescribed burn and wildfire season, visit:

Deschutes County Public Health

Klamath County Public Health

Central Oregon Fire information

Air quality (AQI) in your area

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools has chosen a name for its newest high school, opening next fall. The new choice option school will be known as Deschutes River High School. 

The district’s School Board voted unanimously for the name at its meeting Tuesday night. 

Deschutes River High will offer a new model where students will explore interdisciplinary, project-based work, college-level Advanced Placement classes, and Career and Technical Education. As a choice option high school, it is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who live in the district. 

“The district is excited to offer Deschutes River High School to our community,” Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk said in Wednesday’s announcement.

“Bend-La Pine Schools believes in the power of educational choice. Our new choice high school will provide students opportunities to explore future pathways while being a part of a school community centered in leadership and belonging.” 

The opportunity to create the school stems from the district’s decision to end its lease of property that has housed Realms High School and Realms Middle School.

Both Realms High and the district’s other choice option high school, Bend Tech Academy, are coming together to form the Deschutes River High School. It will be located at 1291 NE 5th Street, the current location of BTA. The school district plans to will relocate Realms Middle School to the Buckingham Elementary School campus for the 2026-27 school year.   

In January, Bend-La Pine Schools began the process of naming the new school by surveying students, families, and staff to gather ideas and recruit volunteers for a naming committee. Students, families, staff, and school leaders reviewed suggested names and used a series of surveys, meetings, and activities to narrow the list.

Using feedback from the Realms and BTA school communities, the committee presented the top three recommendations to the board in February. 

The new Deschutes River High School will be built around three core pillars: Character, Community, and Service; Excellence Through Purposeful Work; and Industry and Higher Education Readiness.

The school will offer four Career and Technical Education academies – Medical, Business, Construction, and STEM/Engineering – along with advanced coursework including AP and college credit. 

Officials also said the new high school already has a full enrollment, following the school district’s choice option lottery process in January, and has a waitlist for 2026-27.

Families can learn more about the school at https://bls.fyi/drhs.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A garage fire linked to improperly disposed woodstove ashes resulted in $50,000 in damage to a southeast Bend home Tuesday night. Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the blaze in the 700 block of Southeast Douglas St. just before 11:00 p.m. on March 10th.

The family was alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms and evacuated safely before calling 9-1-1. Fire crews contained the flames primarily to the single-car garage, though the American Red Cross was called to assist the family because the house is currently unsafe to live in.

Investigators determined the fire started when woodstove ashes were placed into a trash container inside the garage. The flames spread to the contents of the garage and had begun to enter the main house before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The property damage is estimated at $50,000 for the building and its contents. Both the owners and the renters of the home have insurance to assist with the rebuilding process.

The effectiveness of the smoke alarms followed a proactive safety check; in late 2025, Bend Fire & Rescue assisted the occupants in checking their alarms to ensure they were working properly.

Bend Fire & Rescue recommend letting ashes cool inside a wood-burning appliance for two to three days before removal. Once removed, the ashes should be placed in a non-combustible container, such as a sturdy metal bucket with a metal lid.

The container should be kept at least 10 feet away from any combustible materials until the ashes are completely cool. This process can take several days or weeks. Ashes can remain hot enough to ignite a fire for four to seven days after being removed from a woodstove, even if they do not feel hot to the touch.

Bend Fire & Rescue provides free assistance for residents who need help checking or installing smoke alarms. Last year, the department helped families install 1,500 alarms. Residents can request help by calling 541-322-6386, while those outside the Bend area can contact their local fire department or the Central/Eastern Oregon Chapter of the Red Cross at 541-382-2142.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz announced her candidacy for seat 5 of the Deschutes County Commission on Tuesday. Letz, who has served on the Sisters City Council since 2021, is running for a position that county voters recently designated as nonpartisan.

The announcement comes ahead of the May 19 primary election. Letz, a Central Oregon native and Bend High School graduate, said her experience as a city official and small-business owner has prepared her to manage the diverse needs of the county’s residents.

Letz is a small-business owner who has served as a member of the Sisters City Council since 2021. Her professional background includes work as a wildland firefighter, backcountry park ranger and sustainability specialist.

A graduate of Bend High School, Letz is also the parent of a middle school student. The mayor addressed the nonpartisan nature of the commission positions, which was established by a county ballot measure.

“Deschutes County voters passed a ballot measure that ensures the Deschutes County Commission positions are nonpartisan, and I truly believe I am a candidate who fits that mandate,” Letz said. “Voters don’t want partisan decision-making to affect their lives. My experience as an open-minded problem-solver who has a track record of managing multiple stakeholders with diverse needs uniquely qualifies me for this role.”

During her tenure on the city council, Letz worked with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and elected officials on local issues. She cited improvements to healthcare access, daycare and housing as primary accomplishments.

“I’ve collaborated with citizens and community leaders on a number of complex issues during my time on the council,” Letz said. “We’ve improved access to health care and daycare, supported the creation of a wider variety of housing options, and ensured a more wildfire resilient future – challenges that face all communities and residents in Deschutes County.”

Letz noted that her previous work on the council serves as a model for her approach to county government.

“I’m very proud to point to these successes as examples of my commitment to finding common ground and creative solutions,” Letz said.

She also highlighted her background in land management as a tool for future decision-making. “I will bring my experience in planning and technical land use decisions to create informed and realistic solutions to real problems affecting the residents of Deschutes County,” she said.

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Spencer Sacks

La Pine, Ore. (KTVZ) — A cannabis shop in La Pine has earned significant recognition from La Pine Parks and Recreation, receiving the prestigious Silver Partner award for their support of the “Music in the Pines” event.

The accolade, which includes a $2,500 cash prize, highlights the community’s appreciation for H.D. Botanical’s contributions.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Tuesday night, the Redmond City Council approved the purchase of a new Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle—known as ARFF—for Redmond Municipal Airport. The city will buy the Oshkosh Striker 6×6 from Hughes Fire Equipment for $1,555,515 through a Sourcewell cooperative purchase agreement. 

The Striker 6×6 is a high-powered fire truck designed specifically for airports. It is built to respond quickly to aircraft emergencies, such as fires on the runway or engine problems during landing. The vehicle carries thousands of gallons of water and several hundred gallons of foam used to smother jet fuel fires, and it can also spray dry chemicals for electrical or fuel-based fires that water cannot extinguish. 

“ARFF One, is our main vehicle. It’s about ten years old and still operating fine,” Redmond Airport Director Zackary Bass said. “ARFF Two. It’s 31 years old. It is a workhorse—it’s been great, but we’re starting to see more and more maintenance issues occur. So we need to replace that with a newer vehicle.” 

Bass said the airport operates two firefighting vehicles to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements, that commercial airports have ARFF units available 24 hours a day with a three-minute response time to incidents on the airfield.  

An older vehicle, ARFF 2 was purchased in 1996 and is now far beyond its reliable service life, making replacement parts difficult to find and increasing the risk of noncompliance with FAA safety standards.  

The Oshkosh Striker 6×6 includes six all-driving wheels for strong traction and quick movement over rough terrain such as gravel or grass near runways. The truck features a specialized suspension system for stability at high speeds, a Snozzle extendable arm that allows water or foam to be sprayed directly into aircraft, thermal imaging cameras to locate hot spots through smoke, and a reinforced cab that seats up to five firefighters. 

Funding for the new vehicle will come entirely from local airport funds as part of Redmond Airport’s capital needs plan, and no budget adjustment is required because of shifting project timelines.  

The city is receiving a discount of about $16,000 by paying upon completion rather than delivery, and airport reserves are still projected to remain strong after the purchase.  

Bass said the replacement for ARFF 2 is already in production and expected to be on the ground and operational within three months. 

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