Fire officials announced this afternoon that residents of 12-15 homes threatened by a three-acre brush fire in the Awbrey Butte area including Summit Park, Summit Drive, and Wyeth Plaza in Bend were being evacuated due to imminent danger, however within less than an hour and a half the fire was contained and no homes were lost.

Smoke of the fire that threatened 12-15 homes in the Awbrey Butte area near Summit Park was clearly visible from the base of the mountain (above). A spotter plane was utilized to circle the area and access the spread of the fire including potential hot spots (below) - photos by Michael Anderson

According to a news release issued by Bend Fire Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Gary Marshall, the fire alarm was called in about 1 p.m., Tuesday.

“No structures [have been] lost at this time that we know of,” Marshall said, adding “no injuries at this time [have been reported].”

A local task force including Bend Fire, Oregon Department of Forestry, Bend Police, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Forest Service all still remain on scene, as do crews from Redmond/Crooked River and Sisters/Black Butte/Camp Sherman Fire Protective Districts who were called to assist.

Residents evacuated were, at least initially, being directed to take shelter at Summit High School.  Officials have not yet confirmed whether residents are being allowed to return to their homes.