Canal Fire Near Redmond Airport Threatens Power Lines and Operations

(REDMOND) The Canal Fire burning just east of Redmond Airport at Roberts Field (RDM) slowed on Monday after crews checked its forward spread and pushed containment to about 30%. Officials refined the size to roughly 23 acres as of August 11, 2025, down from early 30‑acre estimates. Central Oregon fire managers said the blaze was human‑caused, though the exact ignition remains under investigation.

No structures were listed as threatened, no evacuations were ordered, and authorities issued no official closure or diversion notices for Redmond Airport. Still, crews kept close watch on airport operations and nearby power infrastructure due to shifting winds and ongoing mop‑up.

Fire origin, early behavior, and immediate threats

The fire started around 3:45 p.m. on Aug. 10 near the end of East Antler Avenue, immediately east of the airfield. Driven by hot, dry conditions and gusty winds, it jumped a canal and pushed toward a power‑line corridor, prompting a large initial attack on the ground and in the air.

Officials reported torching and spotting 100–200 yards ahead of the main fire on Sunday—behavior that raised concern because of the fire’s proximity to Roberts Field (RDM) and critical utilities.

Key concerns: rapid spread in grass/brush, spotting ahead of the fire, and the threat to power‑line corridors and airport approach areas.

Operations and response near the airport

Because the Canal Fire moved toward a power‑line corridor after it crossed the canal, incident commanders surged resources to box in the flame front and protect infrastructure.

Firefighters cut direct lines supported by dozers and engines, while aircraft dropped water and retardant to slow spread near the canal and utility corridors. By Sunday evening, crews checked forward movement. On Monday, teams focused on strengthening control lines and mopping up hot spots inside the perimeter.

While there were no official notices of airport shutdowns, authorities acknowledged the location demanded an aggressive response and close coordination. Redmond Airport staff and incident personnel monitored conditions in case winds shifted or spotting threatened approach paths, airfield fencing, or off‑airport power systems. Officials did not report any power outages linked to the fire through Monday.

Status, mapping, and weather considerations

• Acreage: ~23 acres (refined mapping as of Aug. 11)
• Containment: 30%
• Coordinates reported: 44°16’58.8″N, 121°06’59.8″W
• Fuels: grass, brush, and patches of timber

Crews cautioned that the regional forecast called for an Extreme Heat Warning and a mid‑week wind shift, creating a window for more active fire behavior even as containment improved.

Resources assigned and tactics

Resources reflected the fire’s sensitive location near RDM and power lines. The initial and reinforced response included:

• Aerial resources
  • 4 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs)
  • 3 Type 1 helicopters, plus air attack
• Ground personnel
  • 10 smokejumpers
  • Two 10‑person hand crews
  • An additional 20‑person crew ordered
• Heavy equipment and engines
  • At least 2 dozers
  • 6–7 engines
  • 2+ water tenders

Tactics centered on:
1. Direct line construction to halt forward movement.
2. Rapid aerial support to slow and cool fire edges near key infrastructure.
3. Thorough mop‑up inside control lines to prevent smoldering material from reigniting as winds rise.

Public Information Officers with Central Oregon Fire Management emphasized the rapid initial attack tempo across the region this week and urged residents to stay alert for new starts during hot, windy periods.

Community impacts and official notices

According to local reporting relaying official updates:

• No structures were listed as threatened.
• No evacuation levels were issued.
• No airport closures or flight diversions were attributed to the Canal Fire as of Aug. 11.

Even so, crews and airport staff continued to monitor for wind‑driven changes that could affect Redmond Airport operations.

Guidance for travelers and residents

For travelers using Roberts Field (RDM), small shifts in wind or fire activity can lead to same‑day schedule changes, even when the airport remains open. While no official disruptions were posted through Monday, conditions can change quickly during critical fire weather.

Practical steps if you’re flying from or to Redmond Airport:
– Check your airline’s app or website before leaving for the airport and again at the gate.
– Watch for text or email alerts from your carrier regarding equipment swaps, crew time limits, or delays.
– If you have an international connection, build in extra time or consider rebooking to a longer layover.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, travelers who maintain flexible plans and confirm flight status directly with carriers handle wildfire‑related adjustments more smoothly, especially for long‑haul or visa‑sensitive itineraries.

Community safety guidance for residents:
– Follow verified updates from Central Oregon Fire Information and county alert systems.
– Text “COFIRE” to 888‑777 for wildfire alerts covering Central Oregon.
– Track smoke and local air quality at fire.airnow.gov, and limit outdoor time during smoky periods—especially for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.
– Use a portable HEPA filter at home if you’re sensitive to smoke.

Timeline highlights

1. Afternoon of Aug. 10 — Canal Fire reported near RDM; wind‑driven runs, jumped canal, pushed toward power‑line corridor. Rapid multi‑resource response ordered.
2. Sunday evening — Crews checked forward progress and began consolidating lines.
3. Aug. 11 — Refined mapping: ~23 acres, 30% containment; fire cause listed as human‑caused. Continued line work and mop‑up while monitoring forecasted mid‑week winds.

Regional context and broader precautions

The wider backdrop across Central Oregon is a string of hot, dry days with gusty winds. That mix has driven increased initial attack activity regionwide. Officials stressed care around equipment, vehicles, and any spark‑producing work—since even a small mishap near dry grass can escalate fast, especially near neighborhoods, highways, or airport corridors.

For travelers wanting an official national view of airport status, the Federal Aviation Administration’s current operations page provides real‑time delay and ground‑stop information nationwide. Check the Redmond Airport entry before you head out: https://www.fly.faa.gov/ois/

Stakeholders and reporting

Stakeholders on this incident include:
– Central Oregon Fire Management’s interagency partners
– Deschutes County units
– Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville District
– Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests
– Oregon Department of Forestry

Local media—including KTVZ and the Redmond Spokesman—helped relay verified updates over August 10–11. Public Information Officers highlighted spotting behavior, the tempo of the regional response, and the elevated risk through the week.

Current message: The Canal Fire is partially contained, no evacuations are in place, and there are no official reports of Redmond Airport closures tied to this incident. Crews will continue to improve lines and mop up while watching for wind shifts. Residents and travelers should stay alert, avoid activities that could start new fires, and plan ahead for possible short‑notice changes as weather patterns shift mid‑week.