A prescribed burn on Pine Mountain, about 14 miles southeast of Bend, has been declared a wildfire. That’s according to fire officials, who say multiple spot fires broke outside the burn’s containment lines earlier Thursday.
The fire was estimated to be around 1,500 acres as of Thursday afternoon. Additional crews have been called in to help firefighters as they work to contain the blaze.
Since Tuesday, firefighters have been conducting planned prescribed burns across portions of the Deschutes National Forest, including the Bend-Fort Rock, Crescent and Sisters Ranger Districts.
The wildfire broke out despite officials previously cancelling Thursday’s burn this morning due to unfavorable conditions. No evacuations have been issued.
Officials are warning people smoke from the fire may be visible from Highway 20, Bend and the Newberry area.
The Pine Mountain area also remains closed to traffic and campers as crews work to contain the fire.
