Redmond Fire and Rescue crews responded around 7:30 Sunday night to a reported structure fire near Northwest Fourth Street and Northwest Hemlock Court. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from the front of a single-story manufactured home, with nearby homes threatened. Crews quickly stretched hose lines and kept the fire from spreading beyond the one residence. Officials say no one lives there; the home was being used for storage. Because of the volume of items inside, firefighters battled the blaze from outside for safety. Investigators say illegal fireworks ignited dry vegetation, spreading to a fence and then the home. Fireworks are banned within Redmond city limits.

Bend officials are reminding residents fireworks are banned anywhere within city limits, including sales, possession, or use, as dry summer conditions raise fire concerns. Reports of fireworks activity can be emailed to fireworks at bend oregon dot gov.

Rules vary elsewhere. Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch says only legal fireworks are allowed there on July Fourth, and police will be watching, with steep fines for violations. Fireworks are also banned in Sisters and Sunriver, while Prineville, Madras, and La Pine have no local restrictions.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon urges pet owners to prepare now, as fireworks and holiday disruptions can frighten animals.

Bend’s Fourth of July celebration brings back a longtime downtown favorite Saturday with the 99th annual Pet Parade. Julie Brown with Bend Parks and Recreation says generations of families have made the parade part of their holiday tradition.

Brown says the route starts at Harmon Park, loops through downtown, and ends at Drake Park. The walk takes about 40 minutes, and all kinds of participants are welcome.

People can begin gathering at Harmon Park at 8:30, with the parade stepping off at 9:30 Saturday morning.

Five Central Oregon trail projects are getting a boost from the Deschutes Trails Coalition’s Small Project Grant program. The funding supports tools, equipment, and on-the-ground trail work across the region.

Executive Director Jana Johnson says the grants are powered in part by visitor donations through the Dollar for Trails program, run with local hotels. Guests can contribute to help maintain the trails they use while visiting Central Oregon.

Johnson says about 30-thousand dollars was awarded, supporting Sisters-area trail work for equestrians and other recreation users, equipment for Central Oregon Trail Alliance, gravel biking tools, and Cascades Wilderness crews.

Projects are expected to begin this season, with funds available through 2027.