Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation declaring May Wildfire Awareness Month.  The lack of winter snow, warmer spring temperatures and less predicted rain will cause fire season to start early and last longer.  The Oregon State Fire Marshall's Office says homeowners should take steps now to protect their property, including making a five-foot barrier around their homes.

Prescribed burns are planned today (Wed) near Crescent, three miles west of Sisters… and the continuing burn of two-thousand acres on Pine Mountain, southeast of Bend.

photo credit: Bend Fire

Fire crews from Bend and Redmond responded quickly to a brush fire along Tumalo Road between Valeview and 92^nd Monday afternoon. Residents and passersby, armed with shovels and hoses, helped slow the flames until firefighters arrived. Thanks to their efforts and the work of four brush engines, the blaze was contained to less than an acre and around a quarter mile in length. While several fences suffered damage, no homes or vehicles were affected. Authorities believe the fire started when hot debris—possibly from a vehicle’s brakes or catalytic converter—ignited the dry roadside vegetation. Drivers are urged to check their vehicles and trailers to help prevent future fires.

photo credit: oregonhikers.org

As spring weather brings more people outside, authorities are urging residents to secure vehicles and keep valuables out of sight at recreation areas.

photo credit: Bend Bulletin

Meta’s data center in Prineville is preparing for significant staff reductions after Milestone Technologies announced it will lay off 66 employees when its contract with Meta concludes.

The workers, whose jobs include data center logistics, operations, and engineering, will begin leaving their positions on June 28.

None of the employees affected are represented by a union, according to the company’s notification.

Meta, the parent company for Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp recently announced a layoff of 10-percent of its staff.

Bend’s water supply stands resilient even as drought persists in Deschutes County.

Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water… aiming for a cut of 17 gallons per person daily, and a 12 percent reduction in commercial use.   Mike Thomas reports: