Limited Access To Pilot Butte July 1-5 (Photo) -06/30/25

Community members will have limited access to Pilot Butte State Park in Bend from July 1-5 as preparations are made for the July 4 public fireworks display.

 

Bend Fire & Rescue, in collaboration with the Oregon State Parks Department, asks that the community observe the restrictions in place for everyone’s safety:

• The summit and the access road to the summit will close to all visitors beginning at 10 p.m. on July 1 through the afternoon of July 5 following clean-up operations.
• All trails and roadways except for the summit, will be accessible to pedestrians only beginning at 10 p.m. on July 1 through July 3.
• Full closure of all trails and roadways begins July 4 through the afternoon of July 5 following clean-up operations.
• The main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte, off Linea Drive, will be open during the fireworks show. Please do not block emergency access roads or public and private streets, as this can delay a response to an emergency.
• Pets are not permitted in the park during the show.

Signs, barricades and security will be placed at the closure points on the butte. For the safety of all, please respect the closed areas and do not attempt entry.

 

The July 4 public fireworks display will commence at 10 p.m. on Friday. The display is presented each year as a gift to the community from Subaru of Bend and their partners.

 

Bend Fire and Oregon State Parks would like to recognize and thank the local Boy Scout Troops that help clean the butte each year after the display. Also, a huge thank you to the local fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry for assisting with the fire safety on the butte during the display. Without their support each year, this show would not be possible.

 

For more information about the display and butte preparations, please contact Oregon State Parks at (541) 388-6055 or Bend Fire at (541) 322-6386.

 

Bend Fire also reminds the community that the use and sale of fireworks is not allowed in Bend. The July 4 public display at Pilot Butte is permitted by the Oregon State Fire Marshal and managed by professionals. For information on fireworks laws, permitting and reporting, please visit bendoregon.gov/fireworks.

Brush Fire On Romaine Village Drive 6-12-25 (Photo) -06/12/25

Bend Fire & Rescue was called to a brush fire near the Stillwater Crossing apartments on Bend’s southside around 4pm Thursday. Multiple callers indicated the fire was spreading in brush and trees near buildings and homes. Fire crews arrived and were able to quickly stop the fire and keep it to 1/10^th of an acre. Bend Police assisted with traffic control and the investigation during the incident. The fire burned mostly in the pine needle duff below the trees and was just getting into the brush and trees when fire crews arrived. No homes or structures were directly threatened by the fire, the closest being more than 100 feet from the fire.

The fire was determined to on private land just to the north of the apartments off of Romaine Village Dr. Though the fire is considered human caused, a direct cause was not able to be determined. There are no indications incidental or natural causes such as lightning, powerlines, etc. in the area. There were no encampments or similar noted in this area.

We are into High fire danger currently and summer is just starting to heat up. Take some time to review you house again for defensible space and ensure you’re prepared for wildfire. More information can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone