Published 3:10 pm Monday, May 4, 2026 Central Oregon firefighters plan to begin prescribed burning Tuesday on Pine Mountain, 14 southeast of Bend, targeting up to 2,008 acres through Friday if conditions allow. The work is scheduled on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest. Crews expect to ignite about 350 acres per day starting at 9:30 a.m. using both hand and aerial methods. Smoke will be visible from U.S. Highway 20 and surrounding areas, with residual smoke likely overnight and early mornings. Residents near Pine Mountain are advised to keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure. The area will be temporarily closed to traffic, including Forest Service Road 2017, Pine Mountain Campground and dispersed recreation sites. Restrictions also include off-highway vehicles and paragliding, with closures expected to remain in place for several days during mop-up and patrol operations. A temporary flight restriction will be in effect.…