Bend Central Oregon Watch

Public Safety Alerts

• ⚡ Phishing Scam on Permit Payments: City of Bend warns of phishing emails mimicking permit payment notices; verify...

Urgent fire safety notice for Bend, Redmond, Prineville and beyond:

• La Pine burn ban after Tuesday's Riverview Fire evacuations
• Red flag...

• $500,000 granted by Visit Bend to 11 projects via visitor lodging taxes, focusing on environmental stewardship, recreation access, and...

City of Bend warns of phishing emails targeting permit payments, using real permit details to request funds or info.

Protect yourself:

• Verify...

Key timeline updates on the Riverview Fire near La Pine:

• Fire sparked Tuesday (3/17), triggering evacuations in northern La Pine; today, behavior...

Community milestone ahead: Deschutes Public Library's massive new Central Library at 61956 SE Santiori Street opens May 11, 2026—less than two years...

• Event details: Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards hosts the 5K, 10K & Half Marathon trail run through Central Oregon high desert, expecting 1,200+...

Central Oregon wildfire prep just got smarter with Ring's Fire Watch app feature:

• AI detection: Analyzes outdoor camera video for fire/smoke, sends...

• Bluebird days with unseasonably warm temps accelerating snowmelt this week
• Challenging winter paused some resorts, but season isn't over—grab more runs soon
• Feels like spring already (official start Friday); plan late-season outings now

Infrastructure & Access Updates

• 🔥 Franklin Avenue Undercrossing Closure: Construction on Franklin Avenue will fully close the undercrossing for...

Riverview Fire erupted ~1:40 p.m. near 52800 Timber Lane Loop, growing to ~20 acres; fire behavior has moderated with slowed spread, but Level 3 evacs...

Bend Pipes and Drums brought Irish spirit to Bend pubs on St. Patrick's Day with live bagpipe performances. Catch their studio preview vibe:

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• Suspect identified: Zachary Dale Zamzow Douglas, 36-year-old Bend resident, died after falling from balcony during targeted break-in around...

Key takeaways from Oregon Sec. of State Tobias Read's Central Oregon visit:

• Endorses Jamie Collins for Deschutes County Commissioner Pos. 1, citing...

Quick update on Pacific Power outage in Deschutes County:

• Alert issued 3/17 9:03AM
• Power fully restored 3/17 9:42AM

39-minute downtime highlights solid utility response for Central Oregon residents.

• Get trails riding-ready: Join the no-experience-needed work party on Ben's Trail, clearing drains and brushing
• When: Fri, Mar 20, 8:30 AM in Bend
• Community boost ahead of riding season – sign up via Meetup!

Rare wildlife encounter on Central Oregon forest drive:

• Driver Jake Rouse captured wolf video in Willamette National Forest near McKenzie River
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• Prescribed burn planned 15 miles SE of Bend near Camp II OHV: Up to 692 acres Wed-Thu, Opine OHV Trails #020/#021/#025/#028 closed multiple days.
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• Krista Appleby started as Deschutes County building official on March 10, overseeing plan reviews, permitting, and inspections for residential...

Neon vibes incoming! Dress in 80s ski gear for this family-friendly fundraiser at UPP Liquids, supporting outdoor rec for people with disabilities.

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