A growing number of high school bonfire parties across Deschutes County are leading to serious safety concerns, prompting the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public warning ahead of Thanksgiving Break. These informal gatherings have escalated into events marked by violence, criminal activity, and unsafe conditions that are putting young people at risk.
These gatherings, often held on public lands during weekends and school breaks, have increasingly involved serious safety risks. Deputies have responded to multiple incidents in recent weeks, many of which could have lasting consequences for those involved.
“We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our youth,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “Our goal is not to punish, but to prevent harm. We want to work together with families, students, and the community to avoid a tragedy.”
Recent investigations have included reports of:
- Physical assaults, including group altercations
- Sexual assaults
- Weapons offenses and firearms present at events
- Property and vehicle damage
- Attendance by adults well beyond high school age
- Felony-level criminal activity
- DUII & Minor in Possession (MIP)
These incidents have occurred in areas such as:
- BLM land east of Redmond, especially at “The Brand”
- Coyner Road area
- Forest Service Land near Skyliners Road
- McGrath Road and nearby locations
- Mayfield Pond area
Some of these events have been recorded and shared on social media, further increasing the risk and visibility of unsafe behavior.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help:
- Parents: Talk with your teens about the risks of attending unsupervised parties. Stay engaged and informed about their plans, especially during school breaks.
- Students: Know your safety matters. What may seem like a fun night can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Look out for one another and make wise choices.
- Community members: If you see or hear about planned gatherings in remote areas, please report them to law enforcement.
“We understand that teens are looking for ways to connect and have fun,” said Carr. “But there have been too many close calls at these unsupervised parties. Our concern is real, and we’re asking for the community’s help to prevent teens from getting seriously hurt.”
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor known gathering areas and respond to any calls or concerns from community members.
To report suspicious or concerning activity, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911. Only Dial 911 in the case of an emergency.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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I am very concerned about a local family who tradgecally lost a member of their family in the most inhuman way. james herrera was murdered to unrecognizable by ??? who?? we all already know where but who are the ones responsible? they are still out there and the community is left to wonder why no one has been charged as suspects? where is the justice for the life that was taken? I can’t believe the investigators don’t know who they all are? cameras are around and I’m sure comming from a small town like Madras and Redmond that most know but aren’t comming forward and do the right thing? are police sweeping this under the rug? we want to know that our children and grandchildren are safe. and crazy animals who torchered James Herrera, are out there. I am very concerned about our community and my heart goes out to that family who cries every night for their loved one and they ask why? who? does anyone care? what’s going on? why aren’t they doing anything?