Firefighters contained a fire Monday afternoon that burned about one acre on the Deschutes National Forest four miles southeast of Bend, Oregon off China Hat Road. The Lava Butte Lookout reported smoke from the fire about noon.  Firefighters completed a containment line and placed hoses around the blaze an hour later.  They also contained another small fire that started when afternoon winds blew embers from the main fire across the road. China Hat Road or Forest ... [full story]

Three fast-moving brush fires between Redmond and Bend on Highway 97 broke out within minutes of each other on Sunday about 1:30 p.m., and Deschutes County officials have determined that they were intentionally set.     Three fires on Highway 97 which began within minutes of each other on Sunday are believed to be arson. Photos by Richard Burton.The fires were quickly controlled and there were no injuries or damage to any structures, according to Fire Inspector Dan ... [full story]

Homeowners were awakened early Monday morning by a smoke detector and were able to quickly escape a fire that caused over $1.6 million in damage to their northwest Bend home, fire officials said. The cause of the fire is undetermined, but built-in natural gas appliances located on the exterior deck of the home will be further examined as a possible source.  ... [full story]

Bend-La Pine Schools students have exceeded the statewide, and national, averages for SAT scores for the sixth year in a row. Students in the district scored an average of 546 on the math section, 529 on the critical reading section, and 510 on the new writing section. Since 2000, students in the Bend-La Pine School system have continually scored higher on the SAT tests than their peers nation- and state-wide. This year, on average, Bend-La ... [full story]

On Tuesday, September 5, the Bend-La Pine School District will begin its 2006 schedule of classes. This will increase both the traffic and pedestrian volume in school zones. The Bend Police Department is reminding drivers who commute through these areas to be aware of the increased numbers of children who will be present in these areas. Oregon Law has recently changed in regards to school zone postings. ORS 811.111 requires drivers to drive 20 mph ... [full story]