BEND, OR -- A bird striking power lines is blamed for a two-acre fire southeast of Bend. Fire crews from Bend, Alfalfa and the Forest Service responded to Rickard Road at about 10:40 Tuesday morning and found grass and brush burning along the road. Callers said they heard a “bang” and saw a fire in the grass and brush, spreading to juniper trees. Crews arrived as the wind was pushing the fire to the south, towards Rickard. Fire crews were able to quickly get around the fire and stop its progression with hoses and hand tools. Many passersby and neighbors were on scene with shovels as well. The fire was kept to two acres in size.
The cause of the fire was found to be a bird coming in contact with multiple wires on an adjacent power pole. The deceased bird was found near the base of the pole where the fire started. The contact between the bird and the wires caused the “bang" heard. No brush or grass was directly in contact with the pole. Central Electric Coop personnel were on scene to assist and confirmed that the power lines and poles were not damaged by the fire and power was not lost during the incident. CEC crews in the area working on a reported power problem that appears to be unrelated to this fire.
Bend was assisted by Alfalfa Fire Department, US Forest Service fire crews; and County sheriff and road departments for traffic control. The Rickard and Billadeau intersection was closed for two hours during the incident. No homes or buildings were directly threatened by this fire.
Bend Fire says this is a good reminder that as we head into this very hot week our fire danger is ever increasing. On Wednesday, local fire agencies will move to Extreme fire danger levels. Be sure to check your defensible space around your home and business to help prevent fire from spreading to the building. Having good defensible space and help prevent a fire like this one from spreading across a street and to your home by limiting what there is to burn directly against the building and surrounding areas. More information about defensible space can be found at www.ownyourzonebend.org
Photo courtesy Bend Fire & Rescue
