On July 18, the Swamp Wells Trail Fire ignited off of China Hat Road roughly nine miles south of Bend. The fire grew from two acres to 64 acres overnight, and fire officials warned that it had the potential to grow rapidly.
 It didnât, and firefighters were able to quickly contain it.
The location of the fire, however, raised troubling questions for some homeless service providers, as China Hat Road is the location of one of Bendâs largest homeless camps.
For example, what if the fire had rapidly spread toward the woodland camp? And since many homeless people lack access to phones and internet, where fire warnings are typically issued, how would camp residents be promptly notified? And for those without vehicles, how would they evacuate?
Summer Road Work Projects Continue
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Bend Residents Can Monitor Water Use
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Brandon Fowler, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Manager
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Klamath County Sheriff’s Office are adjusting evacuation levels around the Darlene Fire in coordination with fire managers.
The following areas have been reduced from a Level 2 (Get Set) Evacuation Notice to a Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice:
All residences south of La Pine off of Darlene Way to the Deschutes/Klamath County Line including Old Ice Cave Rd.
All evacuation notices have been dropped in the areas previously in a Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notice:
Areas south of the Deschutes/Klamath County line including most of township 23 east of Hwy 97. This area includes Sun Forest Estates, Split Rail, and Antelope Meadows.