REDMOND, Ore. — A fast-moving brush fire in Redmond’s Dry Canyon prompted evacuations, a large multi-agency response, and damaged structures on two residential properties Friday afternoon.
Redmond Fire & Rescue responded to reports of the fire at approximately 4:30 p.m. on July 17. The blaze was burning on the east side of Dry Canyon, west of Northwest Canyon Drive between Northwest Hemlock and Northwest Ivy.
When crews arrived, they found an estimated half-acre fire spreading rapidly up the canyon wall, with embers igniting spot fires ahead of the main fire.
As the fire intensified, Redmond Police issued Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices for homes along Northwest Canyon Drive from Black Butte Avenue to Maple Avenue. Level 2 “Be Set” evacuations were also ordered for homes on the west side of Dry Canyon. Officials closed the Dry Canyon trail system between the Fir Staircase and the Maple Bridge to keep the public away from the active fire area.
With increasing winds fueling the fire’s rapid growth, the incident commander upgraded the response to a third alarm, bringing in additional firefighters and equipment to protect nearby homes.
The fire spread into the backyards of two residences along Northwest Canyon Drive, damaging an outbuilding and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Fire officials said one property contained an excessive amount of combustible material in the backyard, requiring crews to use a mini excavator to remove debris and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.
Firefighters were able to stop the forward progress of the blaze, and crews remained at the scene Friday evening extinguishing hot spots and monitoring for flare-ups.
No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Redmond Fire & Rescue was assisted by Bend Fire & Rescue, Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire Protection District, Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District, La Pine Fire & Rescue, Sunriver-La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, the U.S. Forest Service, Redmond Police Department, and Redmond Public Works.
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