UPDATE: Monday May 11

Firefighters continue to make progress against the Pine Mountain Fire southeast of Bend.  Fire officials say the blaze is now 70 percent contained.  The fire burned nearly 26-hundred acres.  The east perimeter of the fire is contained.  Firefighters are working to strengthen the remaining lines around the fire.  It was caused by a prescribed burn that was blown out of control by winds last Tuesday.

The Pine Mountain Fire, sparked from a prescribed burn that crossed containment lines Thursday afternoon, has spread to an estimated 2,483 acres southeast of Bend. Firefighters on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District responded rapidly after declaring it a wildfire, allowing for immediate deployment of additional crews, engines, and aircraft. Smoke from the blaze is expected to be visible from Highway 20, Bend, and the Newberry Caldera. Despite favorable initial conditions, spot fires ignited outside the planned area, quickly turning the situation into an emergency response. Residents are urged to remain aware as firefighting efforts continue.  The Pine Mountain Fire is currently 15% contained.