Defensible space prevented a fire from spreading Sunday in the Juniper Ridge area. At 11:56 am on September 14, 2025, Deschutes County 911 received multiple calls reporting an RV on fire in the Juniper Ridge Temporary Short Stay Area (TSSA). On arrival in the area, which was south of Wiley Circle and about 75 yards east of Highway 97, a fully involved Class C motorhome was found.
The fire extended to nearby vegetation and combustible materials, but was limited in spread due to fuel reduction work performed in the area earlier this year. Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire, with assistance provided on scene by US Forest Service, Cloverdale Fire District, Oregon State Police, and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Two individuals and a dog were displaced by the fire, a cat is still unaccounted for. REACH was contacted to provide assistance to the occupants of the RV.
Upon investigation, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined, but is believed to be accidental in nature.
Officials say the limited spread of the fire illustrated how defensible space works. Due to work performed limbing up trees and removing excess vegetation in the Juniper Ridge area earlier this year, the fire was limited in size and able to be contained quickly. Does your home have defensible space? For more information on simple steps that residents can take to create defensible space around their home, visit https://www.bendoregon.
