Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new fire reported late Friday morning burned in grass, brush and juniper about six miles northeast of Madras. It covered about 126 acres by mid-afternoon, prompting a Level 1 GET READY evacuation notice in the area for a time.

Around 1 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued the Level 1 GET READY alert for people in Zone SW 14, near SW Wood Street. The alert was lifted around 2 p.m., and the sheriff’s office said no evacuation levels were in place in the county.

The Emerson Fire, fully contained by Friday evening, was reported shortly before noon east of Emerson Drive, about five miles northeast of a grass fire late Thursday afternoon that prompted Level 3 GO NOW evacuations for a time, and which officials said was caused when a property owner’s mower struck a rock.

The sheriff’s office said in its initial report Friday, “Teams are also responding to the smoke near Fern Ln. There are no evacuation levels at this time. If anything changes, we will send out messages through the Frontier Everbridge Alert System as well as update Facebook.”

Watch Duty quoted incident commanders around 1:20 p.m., saying: “The fire is approximately 150 acres and mostly tied in by roads. Good progress is being made, just closing up the extra areas.” Forward progress was reported stopped about an hour later.

Here’s a fact sheet on the Emerson Fire, issued by Central Oregon fire officials at 12:43 p.m. and updated around 2 p.m.:

Start Date/Time: June 13, 11:34 AM

Location: approx. 6 miles NE of Madras

Jurisdiction: Crooked River National Grassland

Fire Size: approx. 50 acres (updated at 2:01 p.m. to 150 acres, around 2:44 p.m. to 126 acres)

Cause: under investigation

Fuels: Grass, brush, juniper

Structures/Evacuations: 

Containment: 0%

Fire Crews/Resources: Interagency fire crews are suppressing the new wildfire start with the following resources:  6 engines, 2 large air tankers, 1 helicopter, 1 air attacks as well as 2 engines from the Ashwood-Antelope RFPA.

KTVZ News will keep you updated on KTVZ.COM and KTVZ News reports Friday evening, with livestreams as warranted on the KTVZ+ app.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon will be part of a national wave of “No Kings” Trump administration protests planned around the nation on Saturday, while supporters of the president plan events of their own on the High Desert

KTVZ News received this media advisory this week about a Bend ‘No Kings” Community Action Fair, March and Protest planned Saturday afternoon.

WHO: 50501 Central Oregon, Indivisible Bend, Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition and Indivisible Sisters

WHAT: Community Action Fair at Drake Park and Peaceful demonstration at Peace Corner to support U.S. Democracy and to remind President Trump and his enablers: America has No King!

WHEN: Saturday, June 14th. 3pm to 430pm Drake Park, and 445pm at Peace Corner

Bend, OR – As part of a National Day of Action, four Central Oregon progressive groups are working together to organize a combination community action fair and protest to respond to the Trump administration’s attack on civil rights, Medicare and Medicaid, free speech, free trade, immigrant communities and education.

The community action fair in Drake Park will feature speakers describing the impact of this administration’s actions on our Central Oregon communities. Speakers will include U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Pam Mindt, and wrongly fired National Forest Service employee Liz Crandall.  At 430pm, participants will march to Peace Corner for a peaceful, non-violent protest.

U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Mindt states: “Make no mistake. As citizens of the United States, our rights and those of future generations are under siege. We must set aside our party affiliations, we must shout and live: ‘Country over Party’.”

Meanwhile, President Trump’s supporters plan on Saturday a Ride and Drive-in in support of Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

Here’s the statement they posted to Facebook:

The reason for this event is due to the anti-Trump protest (“NO KINGS NATIONAL DAY OF DEFIANCE”) coming to our communities this Saturday in protest of everything our administration is doing to make America safe and prosperous!

“This Saturday, June 14th (Flag Day), several protests are happening around Central Oregon. In the past, these have gotten out of hand and violent, some anti-Trump protesters even striking and knocking down local news media.

The dems actually “think” the DC parade is to celebrate Trump’s birthday, NOT Flag Day OR the Army’s 250th birthday.

Wouldn’t it be nice to gather a TON of Patriotic riders, cars, trucks, whatever, to roll on through these protests and do a few laps in SUPPORT of AMERICA FIRST, President Trump, law enforcement, ICE, the now deployed National Guard and Marines who are protecting our cities from the violence and mass rioting.

WAVE YOUR AMERICAN FLAGS AND TRUMP FLAGS!!

This is a CIRCLE THRU ONLY. NO STOPS at Trump protest locations.

Fuel up, get your flags and let’s DO THIS to show our support for keeping America safe! I know it’s last minute, but this is IMPORTANT as a Patriot!!

WHERE & WHEN

Meet at 11:30 this Saturday at the old Costco parking lot.

ROUTE:1st location, the Prineville Pioneer Park protest at 12:30.

2nd location, Redmond Joann’s Fabrics protest 2:00, then a stop at Redmond Timbers.

3rd and final location at Drake Park, Bend at 4-4:30.

KTVZ News will have team LIVE coverage on KTVZ.com | The KTVZ News App | KTVZ+

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from Bend Fire and Rescue)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Recent fires in Central Oregon and across the state are showing how devastating human-caused sparks can be.

About 75% of wildfires are caused by humans, the Oregon Department of Forestry says. With Central Oregon’s fire season getting off to a dry, hot start, ODF wants to remind the community that we all need to work together to reduce our risk. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry announced Tuesday that additional fire restrictions would go into effect for the Central Oregon District, starting next Monday. 

On Thursday, at least two human-caused fires were started, one near Madras sparked by a mowing property owner who hit a rock, and another in Bend. The Rowena Fire that exploded earlier this week and destroyed at least 20 homes was also found to be human-caused.

“With the high fire danger that we’re in, people need to be aware that approximately 85% of fires are human-caused,” said Cindy Kettring with Bend Fire and Rescue. “So that’s everything from equipment used to discarded cigarettes. Human behavior plays a huge role.”

Residents caught illegally burning or causing a wildfire can face citations, a misdemeanor charge, and even pay for air support to tackle the wildfire. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry says the top three causes of human-caused fires are debris burning, equipment use (which includes cars, ATVs, and even lawnmowers), and campfires.

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Kelsey Merison

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — For this month’s Small Business Spotlight, KTVZ is highlighting Tumalo Coffeehouse as it celebrates 10 years in business the entire month of June.

Located right in the heart of Tumalo, the coffee shop has made quite the name for itself–combining good coffee and community.

“(My favorite part about working in Tumalo is) the community. There’s a lot of great people here and a lot of regular customers,” said Jasmine Cook, one of the managers at Tumalo Coffeehouse. “They’re just the best people here, honestly.”

Jasmine Cook

But there’s a unique twist.

“We have a ranch and we raise alpacas. We shear them every year. We produce fiber off of them into garments,” said Amanda VandenBosch, the owner of Tumalo Coffeehouse. “We also have a store in Sisters, Alpaca by Design. “So we sell all our alpaca products there as well. We also do alpaca picnics.”

Amanda VandenBosch

“You come out to the farm, you visit with the alpacas, you feed them. We put on the most beautiful picnic lunch prepared by Tumalo Coffeehouse,” VandenBosch said. “I have the most amazing crew at the farm, in the coffee shop, at the alpaca store.”

Credit: @pacapicnics / Instagram

From coffee to alpacas — and everything in between — they’re proving teamwork makes the dreamwork.

“We just are alpaca-centric all the way through, and we weave it through our business,” VandenBosch said. “Tumalo Coffeehouse, Alpaca by Design, and Flying Dutchman Alpacas. So it really is very special.” 

A special mix — supported by the community for the past decade.

Anniversary specials

“Honestly, it feels really good to work in a place that’s very community-based,” Cook said. “Everything’s local, which people appreciate a lot. And I do too. Support local is a big thing, especially here.”

For more information on Tumalo Coffeehouse, click here. For more information on the alpaca picnics, click here.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Low registration numbers have prompted organizers of the Oregon High Desert Classics to cancel next month’s two-week hunter jumper horse competition.

An announcement posted Friday on the event’s web page stated:

OHDC 2025 Has Been Cancelled

“Thank you to all our 2025 Oregon High Desert Classics sponsors, vendors, contractors, exhibitors, and community members.  It is with a heavy heart that we are taking a pause this year and thus cancelling both weeks of the OHDC.  This is due to a low number of registrations, and sadly the low numbers just did not pencil out for us to be able to hold the show this year.  We hope that this year’s pause is just that – and we can look forward to 2026 for some changes and improvements.  And of course any payments/deposits made will be refunded.  Thank you all so much for all your support!

 “The OHDC is our main fundraiser for J Bar J Youth Services that raises money for all our programs serving youth, and for that reason as well, we are disappointed that there were not enough registrations this year.”

It’s not the first such pause in the annual fundraising event for J Bar J Youth Services. It also was canceled five years ago, due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings.

A long-time High Desert Classics attendee told us, “Last year, the smoke from wildfires was so bad, walking through the grounds was like walking in a ghost town.  Vendors were closed, horses were being sent home etc.  Maybe stables have found competition closer to home and/or don’t want to take the chance that things will be different this year. Hope next year will be better.”

KTVZ News is working to learn more and we’ll have updates as we receive them. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Summit Health allergist, Dr. Adam Williams, tells KTVZ News there are actually two allergy seasons in Central Oregon – one for pine, another for grass, which is sending all that pollen our way.

Right now we’re in a grass season, and every gust of wind is blowing pollen into your face. But knowing that, there is somewhere you can go to get away.

“This time of year, heading west is great, heading into the mountains. The pollen season probably hasn’t hit up at the higher elevations yet like it is down in town,” Williams said.

There are some other things you could do to avoid an allergic reaction. You can cover up when you go outside. When you get home, take a shower and change your clothes. And if you can, always get more specialized treatment and medication by visiting an allergist.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – From winter snowshoeing to peaceful river floats in the summer, La Pine State Park offers something in every season. The park is also home to “Big Tree,” one of the largest ponderosa pines in the world.

In this week’s Park Picks, Jillian Fortner visits the park and highlights how visitors can enjoy it responsibly.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Monday fire information)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) –The Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Management Team on Monday morning transitioned the Ferry Fire that broke out last week along the John Day River back to the local unit with a Type 4 Incident Commander. The fire as of Monday had burned 10,458 acres and was 78% contained.

On Sunday, the fire that broke out last Wednesday had minimal smoke and was held within the fire line along the north/northwest and the John Day River bordering the east/southeast side of the fire, officials said in Monday’s update.

A helicopter reconnaissance flight flew the entirety of the fire and did not see any potential heat or smoke near the fire’s edge. Some resources were released back to their home units throughout the day and the Incident Command Post in Moro began preparations for transition and demobilization.

The Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Management Team would like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful containment, coordination and support of the Ferry Fire.

Thank you to the Moro Rural Fire Department, Sherman County Emergency Management, Sherman County Fairgrounds, Gilliam County Emergency Management, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Moro, Sherman County, RFPA members, local private landowners, volunteers, and all the fire resources and support units assigned to the Ferry Fire.

On Monday, the Type 4 IC, two handcrews and two engines will continue to mop up and patrol the fire. The Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Management Team and the remaining resources will return to their home units.

Some areas well within the burned area of the fire footprint have islands of unburned fuel, and there is a possibility those fuels could potentially burn and produce smoke. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire, and if needed, air resources will remain available to support.

Evacuation levels were lowered as of Sunday afternoon. The only remaining evacuation warnings include Level 1 in the immediate vicinity of the fire area due to ongoing fire patrols.

To sign up for and receive emergency alerts for both Sherman and Gilliam counties, go to: https://www.co.sherman.or.us/departments/emergency-services/ or https://oralert.gov/

This will be the last daily update for the Ferry Fire, officials said. For Central Oregon fire information, visit the official source for wildfire information at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.

For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

Human-sparked wildfires make up for 85% of all fire starts nationally. Most human-started wildfires are completely accidental and preventable. Be aware, be prepared, and remember, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

nformation in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding new live video, fire’s cause)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crews working in brisk winds quickly tackled and stopped the spread of a brushfire northeast of Madras Thursday afternoon that Jefferson County Fire Chief Jeff Blake told KTVZ News was sparked by a property owner who was mowing and struck a rock.

Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies earlier said Incident 267 was reported on private property shortly after 3 p.m., quickly leading to a Level 3 Go Now evacuation for Zone NE 8 and a Level 2 BE SET alert for zones NE 6 and NE 4, areas north of the Deer Ridge state prison.

But around 4 p.m. came word that Zone NE 8 had been downgraded to Level 2 Be Set to Evacuate, where Zone NE 6 remained. Zone NE 4 had been removed and is no longer in an evacuation zone. Those two remaining zones were dropped to Level 1 Be Ready to Evacuate before 4:30 p.m.

The sheriff’s office had this update at 5:17 p.m.: “Roads are now open and there are currently no more zones in an evacuation level. Our team couldn’t have done it without Jefferson County Fire & EMS so thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to the county! “

Evacuation map from Frontier 911; Level 3 GO NOW zone in red, Level 2 GET SET in yellow, Level 1 GET READY in green; all have now been dropped

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Utility confirms ‘enhanced safety settings’ caused outage; most have it back)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nearly 2,000 Pacific Power customers on Bend’s north end lost power Thursday afternoon, an outage caused by the utility’s “enhanced safety settings” that officials said could last into the evening.

Pacific Power’s outage map said 1,975 customers were affected by the outage that began around 2:55 p.m. The initial estimate said it could take until 6 p.m. to fully restore power, but most had it back by about 5 p.m., with 265 customers still out at that time.

The utility said crews had been notified and investigated the cause of the outage affecting residents and businesses in the 97701 and 97703 ZIP codes.

Pacific Power spokesman Simon Gutierrez confirmed to KTVZ News that the area is on the recently announced enhanced safety settings, put into place for some areas during fire season to reduce the risk of wildfire – but also increase the chances of more and longer power outages.

We’re tracking updates and will have them online and on the air as soon as we can, including the KTVZ app.

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