Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

Bend/Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon fire crews spent the Fourth of July weekend racing from one call to the next, as hot weather and holiday activity helped spark multiple fires from Crooked River Ranch to Bend. The incidents ranged from fast-moving wildfires threatening powerlines and homes to a structure fire in a Redmond neighborhood, underscoring what local officials call an already active wildfire season.

Peninsula Fire – Terrebonne

In Jefferson County, the Peninsula Fire broke out in the 14800 block of Southwest Peninsula Drive in Terrebonne. The fire was reported at about half an acre with forward progress stopped, and later mapped at 1.2 acres. Officials said a wet line was placed around the fire and the blaze is now 100% contained and being deactivated from public incident maps unless conditions change.

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue credited the property owner’s work to create defensible space for keeping the fire from spreading. The homeowner recently brought in a herd of goats to reduce grass and shrubs across much of the property, slowing the flames and allowing crews to keep the fire on-site.

Sean Hartley, Fire Chief for Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue, said the goat-grazing partnership is proving to be a unique but effective local tool in wildfire prevention.

“It’s amazing to go to see them work,” Hartley said. “In a few days, they will take a place that’s got knee-high grass down to basically nothing. And it really, it’s a neat way to make defensible space work. And it’s a safe way to do all summer long because people are now with lawn mowers and stuff where they can have a rock strike. So it’s a neat thing to see. And it’s a very unique way to do defensible space.”

Antelope Creek Fire – north of Antelope

North of the city of Antelope, the Antelope Creek Fire started July 4 at 12:39 p.m. on private land and quickly spread through grass, brush and sage. The fire burned 1,261 acres, and at one point 10 primary structures were identified as at risk.

The Antelope Creek Fire is now 100% contained. All evacuations have been lifted as interagency crews continue mop-up around the perimeter, keeping a close eye on remaining hot spots.

Hole in the Ground Fire – Deschutes National Forest

Farther south, the Hole in the Ground Fire ignited July 4 around 4:28 p.m., about one mile west of the Hole in the Ground Vista Point in the Deschutes National Forest. The fire burned 83 acres in mixed timber and sage and was listed at 50% containment.

Officials said there was no new growth overnight, but smoke will remain visible as heavy fuels continue to burn inside the perimeter. Fire managers are asking the public to avoid using Forest Service Road 3100-200 to access the Hole in the Ground recreation area, to keep the area safe for firefighters and visitors.

Coyner Fire – near Redmond

Closer to Redmond, the Coyner Fire started July 4 northwest of Tetherow Road on Bureau of Land Management land. The wildfire burned about 20.5 acres in juniper, grass, brush and sage and was listed at 10% containment. Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices remain in place in Deschutes County, with powerlines and nearby residential structures considered at risk.

Crews worked through the night of July 5 to secure the perimeter and put out flare-ups in unburned fuels, and were expected to continue mop-up through the day while monitoring hot spots as temperatures rise.

Officials said wildland firefighters from the newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service are working with interagency partners to protect BLM lands, underscoring a unified approach to suppressing wildfires in Central Oregon.

Redmond structure fire – illegal fireworks

Redmond firefighters also responded to a structure fire near Northwest 4th Street and Northwest Hemlock Court, blamed on illegal fireworks. When crews arrived, they found a single-story manufactured home with heavy flames coming from the front of the structure and threatening nearby homes. Firefighters quickly deployed hoselines and kept the fire contained to the one residence, preventing further spread.

Weather, safety and the local message

With several fires now contained but fuels still drying out across the high desert, fire officials say weather and terrain remain challenging and that more fire starts are possible as summer continues.

“With fires in particular, the last couple of days, we’ve had some pretty hot weather. I think we’ve all felt that, and that can always really highlight those flare ups,” said Emilie Bedard, Public Information Officer for the Central Oregon Fire Management Service. “It continues to burn heavy fuels that are within fire perimeters. So our fire managers and our fire personnel are really watching those areas to make sure that they’re staying safe and keeping that fire within those containment lines.”

She added that the public plays a key role in reducing risk and helping crews stay safe while they work.

“We ask members of the public whether you’re traveling, whether you’re local to the area, please respect those closures,” Bedard said. “Keep those working areas safe for our firefighters and also for your own public safety. Slow down when you’re in those areas. That’s really going to allow those fire response agencies to get in and do the work that they need to do to keep our community safe.”

Local fire agencies are urging residents to continue clearing defensible space around homes, obey closure signs and avoid illegal fireworks as Central Oregon moves deeper into wildfire season.

Reported: July 6, 2026; 11:14 am

A busy Fourth of July weekend for fire crews across Central Oregon left several communities on alert as multiple brush fires broke out in quick succession.

Firefighters responded to a number of incidents, including the Peninsula Fire near Terrebonne, the Pilot Butte Fire in Bend, the Hole in the Ground Fire burning in the Deschutes National Forest, and both the Fairgrounds and Coyner fires in Redmond. Crews worked through the holiday weekend to contain the flames and prevent further spread in dry, windy conditions.

While all of the fires have since been contained, the incidents serve as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change during peak fire season.

Officials are continuing to investigate how some of the fires may have started, including whether fireworks or other human activity played a role.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday will have a full report tonight at 6 p.m. on NBC, including a closer look at when and where each fire sparked, how many acres burned, and what firefighters are urging residents to do now to reduce wildfire risk.

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Adrielle Hasara

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One in ten residents in Deschutes County access services annually through the Deschutes Children’s Foundation campuses. This reach represents nearly 21,000 children and family members who received critical services in 2025 through the foundation’s four locations.

The foundation works to provide space and support for 23 nonprofit partners across Bend, Redmond and La Pine. These partners offer a range of services from health care to early childhood education to meet the growing needs of Central Oregon families.

The Deschutes Children’s Foundation has served the community since 1990 by facilitating collaborations among its nonprofit partners. Through campuses in Bend, Redmond and La Pine, these partners address various needs, including health care, counseling, early childhood education, family support, advocacy and youth services.

Cassi MacQueen, executive Director of Deschutes Children’s Foundation, noted the significant impact the foundation has on the community. “It’s often eye-opening for folks to learn that one in ten residents in Deschutes County access services through our campuses,” MacQueen said. “But behind that number are real children and families. Our nonprofit partners are showing up for our community every single day.”

The foundation’s 23 nonprofit partners are continually meeting rising demand for their services. These services are vital for children and families navigating various challenges, from seeking support and critical care to finding resources that promote well-being and development.

Community support is essential for the foundation to continue its work. One opportunity to help is “The Big Dill,” the Deschutes Children’s Foundation’s second annual pickleball fundraiser. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at Widgi Creek Pickleball Club.

The fundraiser is open to players of all skill levels and includes a day of connection, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Proceeds from “The Big Dill” directly support the Deschutes Children’s Foundation’s mission and the thousands of children and families it serves each year.

Stephanie Powell, Development Manager for Deschutes Children’s Foundation, highlighted the event’s purpose. “Behind every number is a child or family seeking support and a brighter future,” Powell said. “The Big Dill is an opportunity to come together and help ensure these services remain available for the families who need them most.”

Community members can support the foundation by registering to play in “The Big Dill,” becoming a sponsor, donating auction items, volunteering or making a gift.

More information is available at www.deschuteschildrensfoundation.org.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, Oregon drivers could be getting some relief at the pump.

According to GasBuddy, the average price of regular gas in Oregon has dropped 11.2 cents over the past week, now sitting at $4.49 a gallon.

That’s nearly 59 cents lower than a month ago, but still about 54 cents higher than this time last year.

GasBuddy says prices declined in nearly every state over the past week, but warns refinery disruptions overseas could keep fuel prices from dropping much further in the weeks ahead.

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Kelsey Merison

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire broke out on Saturday in Crooked River Ranch that has since been fully contained.

The fire was burning near the 14,000 block of SW Peninsula Drive.

The first arriving engine found a 1/4 acre brush fire being pushed by winds, threatening the home and several sheds on the property.

According to Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue, the homeowner had recently utilized goats to reduce grass and shrubs on a large portion of the property. This work slowed the spread of the fire and firefighters were able to contain the fire to the property of origin.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: fire was caused by illegal fireworks)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue crews responded to a structure fire Sunday evening in northwest Redmond, where investigators say illegal fireworks sparked the blaze.

Firefighters were alerted around 7:30 p.m. to a possible fire near NW 4th Street and NW Hemlock Court. When crews arrived, they found a single-story manufactured home with heavy flames coming from the front of the structure, with the fire threatening nearby homes.

Crews quickly deployed hoselines and were able to keep the fire contained to the one residence, preventing it from spreading further.

According to fire officials, no one was living in the home, which was being used for storage. Due to the large amount of stored items inside, crews were limited to fighting the fire from the outside because of safety concerns.

A fire investigator determined the fire was caused by illegal fireworks that ignited nearby dry vegetation. The flames then spread to a wooden fence before reaching the home.

Redmond Fire & Rescue reminds the public that all fireworks—legal or illegal—are prohibited within Redmond city limits, and individuals may be held liable for any damage caused.

Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District, and Redmond Police.

Reported: July 5th; 8:30 pm

Redmond Fire & Rescue crews are responding to a reported structure fire Sunday evening in northwest Redmond.

According to a social media post from the agency made about 12 minutes ago, firefighters are on scene near NW 4th Street and NW Hemlock Court. Details about the extent of the fire, potential injuries, or what may have caused it have not yet been released.

KTVZ News is working to gather more information and confirm additional details from fire officials. This is a developing situation, and crews remain actively on scene.

We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available and keep viewers informed both on air and online.

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Spencer Sacks

SEATTLE, WA. (KTVZ) — Outfielder Randy Arozarena has been selected to the American League roster for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, Major League Baseball announced today. Arozarena was chosen via player balloting for the game, which will take place on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

This marks Arozarena’s third career All-Star selection, following his previous appearances in 2023 and 2025. He has made the Midsummer Classic in each of the last two seasons while playing for Seattle. This season, the 31-year-old outfielder is batting .287 (86×300) with 54 runs, 21 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, 41 RBI, 32 walks and 19 stolen bases in 82 games. He holds a .376 on-base percentage, a .453 slugging percentage and an .829 OPS.

Arozarena is the 15th player in Seattle Mariners history to be named to multiple All-Star teams with the club. He joins a list that includes Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, Edgar Martinez, Félix Hernández, Randy Johnson, Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Canó, Nelson Cruz, Julio Rodríguez, Bret Boone, Freddy Garcia, Andrés Muñoz, Harold Reynolds and Kazuhiro Sasaki.

The Mantua, Cuba native is the 14th Cuban-born player in American League and National League history to make at least three All-Star Games. This group includes Hall of Famers Minnie Miñoso, Tony Oliva and Tony Pérez, along with Camilo Pascual, Mike Cuellar, Leo Cárdenas, Cookie Rojas, Luis Tiant, Bert Campaneris, Jose Canseco and Rafael Palmeiro. Fellow active players Aroldis Chapman and Yordan Alvarez are also on this list.

Arozarena is also one of two players, alongside Cleveland’s José Ramírez, to record at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of the last five seasons, from 2021 through 2025.

In 883 career games across eight Major League seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019, the Tampa Bay Rays from 2020-24 and the Mariners since 2024, Arozarena has accumulated 19.5 wins above replacement, according to Baseball-Reference. He has a career .783 OPS, batting .254 (815×3212) with 506 runs scored, 181 doubles, 11 triples, 127 home runs, 431 RBI, 359 walks and 150 stolen bases. His career on-base percentage is .347 and his slugging percentage is .436.

The Mariners acquired Arozarena from Tampa Bay at the 2024 Trade Deadline on July 26, 2024. The trade involved minor leaguers Brody Hopkins, Aidan Smith and a player to be named later, Ty Cummings. Arozarena won the 2021 American League Rookie of the Year award with the Rays and performed well in the Postseason during the 2020-21 seasons. He hit 10 home runs during the 2020 playoffs and was named the American League Championship Series MVP that season.

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for July 14 in Philadelphia.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Redmond, held its annual Fourth of July parade, Saturday, through downtown, kicking off Independence Day celebrations in Central Oregon. The morning event featured more than 70 entries.

The parade brought together a diverse group of participants. Streets were packed with residents watching the procession, which included a 101-year-old World War II veteran. The celebration featured various vehicles and historical re-enactors.

John Pavlicek, a Vietnam veteran and resident of Redmond, called it “the best parade this city has ever had.” Pavlicek noted the event has “always been very patriotic.” He also shared his perspective on the significance of the day, stating, “Oh, it’s great because that’s what we fought for, you know, was to give people freedom and be able to live their life.”

The parade showcased a variety of attractions, including trucks, classic cars and horses pulling stagecoaches. Participants also marched in uniforms from different eras of American history, including American Revolution outfits, Civil War Union uniforms and modern day attire. Redmond residents Cortez Lawson and Kendrick Alverado anticipated specific parts of the parade; Lawson looked forward to “all the cool cars that are going to come through, the muscle cars, those are cool,” while Alverado said, “I’m looking forward to some candy too.”

When asked what it means to be an American, Pavlicek said, “I think it means you can accomplish whatever you would like to accomplish. You just have to remember that work is the stable dam and you got to work. Don’t expect anything for nothing. There has to be a fair exchange.” Alverado offered a concise response, saying “Liberty,” and Lawson added, “And its just a free country so I love it here.”

Multiple people spoke about their gratitude for living in America and having the freedom to choose, acknowledging the sacrifices made for this opportunity. Residents at the parade were celebrating what they called the 250th birthday of the United States.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Central Oregon tradition more than a century in the making brought thousands to downtown Bend Saturday morning, for the annual Fourth of July Pet Parade.

The event, put on by Bend Park & Recreation District, dates back to 1924 and is one of the oldest pet parades in the country. It continues to serve as a hallmark kickoff to the holiday in Bend.

Participants began staging at Harmon Park before the parade stepped off at 9:30 a.m., winding its way north on Harmon Boulevard, east on Newport Avenue and south on Wall Street before ending at Drake Park.

Crowds lined the route as a wide variety of animals took part. Dogs made up much of the parade, many dressed in red, white and blue, while horses and riders also joined in. Spectators also spotted donkeys, a rabbit, sheep and even a lizard among the mix of animals moving through downtown.

The free event, which does not require registration, remains a community favorite, drawing families, pet owners and onlookers together to celebrate the Fourth of July in a distinctly local way.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pilot Butte is being prepared for Bend’s annual 4th of July fireworks show. It will feature more than 1,000 shells and a massive 12-inch finale shell creating a 1,200-foot diameter explosion. The display is scheduled for Saturday at 10 p.m. and is expected to last about 20 minutes.

Extensive safety measures have been implemented by local parks and fire agencies to prevent fires around the butte during the event. These preparations include months of coordination between various agencies to ensure a safe event for the community.

Sam Wilson, Fire Inspector with Bend Fire & Rescue, emphasized the extensive planning involved. “We’ve spent months of preparation and coordination with all of our surrounding agencies to ensure that the community of Bend has a safe and memorable 4th of July,” Wilson said.

For the duration of the event, Pilot Butte will be completely closed to the public, with only firefighters, security personnel and Sure-Shot Fireworks staff allowed on site.

Each firework will launched out of the the tubes which form a ring around the top of the butte. Some shells are fired by hand and others electronically triggered. The largest shells are sunken into containers of sand to absorb the shockwave generated during launch.

Subaru of Bend is sponsoring this year’s event. Jake Thomas, representing Subaru of Bend, noted the community’s appreciation for such displays. “Central Oregon does appreciate, a good fire display,” Thomas said. “So it’s just something that we wanted to give back and help continue that that tradition.”

Sure-Shot Fireworks has been producing this show for many years. Chris Mattison, owner of Sure Shot Fireworks, expressed his excitement for the nation’s upcoming milestone. “Yeah. We are so excited for for the United States to hit the 250 years, there’s been a lot of sacrifices. There’s been a lot of military, a lot of generations to build what we have today. And today is a good day to mark that. A quarter of a century that we did it. We’re still here and we love it.”

Organizers are continuously seeking additional co-sponsors to help enhance future 4th of July events.

The 4th of July fireworks show is set to begin Saturday at 10 p.m. and will last approximately 20 minutes.

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Lance Campbell

LA PINE, Ore. — The gates are officially open and the action is underway in southern Deschutes County for one of Central Oregon’s longest-running Independence Day traditions.

The La Pine Rodeo kicked off night one of its three-day run, expected to draw thousands of holiday visitors. Proudly dubbed “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” organizers say the event is a massive economic and social anchor for the entire South County community.

The dust kicks up in the arena as the La Pine Rodeo launches its three-day holiday run in southern Deschutes County.

“The most special thing about the La Pine Rodeo is that it’s the only rodeo in Central Oregon held over the 4th of July weekend,” said La Pine Rodeo Association Board Director Lacee Lady. “It brings all of the local, South Deschutes County businesses together. It gives them an opportunity to come and congregate, and it’s just a really great time.”

Powered by Volunteers

That community spirit extends directly behind the scenes. The entire board of directors operates purely on a volunteer basis, spending the entire week on-site to run the event. Planning is a year-round process, with prep for the next year beginning the literal day after the current rodeo wraps up.

Local support also shines in the hospitality area, where members of the American Legion are spending the weekend cooking up fresh meals for the arriving contestants.

“Scott here, from American Legion is making hamburgers and hot dogs for our contestants,” said a volunteer who goes by Cowgirl. “We’re living a dream. Come on out to La Pine and see the rodeo!”

Beyond the arena action, the event features local vendors, live entertainment, a nightly afterparty in the beer garden, and a nightly fundraiser auction. Every dollar raised from those auctions goes directly back into local community programs.

“There is nothing more patriotic than coming to a rodeo,” Lady said.

Event Details & Showtimes

The La Pine Rodeo runs nightly through Saturday, July 4th.

Gates Open: 5:45 PM nightly

Performances Begin: 7:00 PM

Tickets: Available online via the official La Pine Rodeo Association website.

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