Good morning, Bend.

Friday morning, a fire off China Hat Road near Arnold Ice Cave — burning juniper and sagebrush — prompted Deschutes County to issue Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices in parts of the recreation area south of Bend and officials said no structures were threatened.

Tractor Supply Co. plans to open its first Bend location in the former Rite Aid site with a soft opening on Oct.

17 and a grand opening on Oct. 24 near Grocery Outlet; the store will cater to local hobby farmers and pet owners while creating 16 to 17 jobs.

Bend Police responded to 20 calls in August about pets left in vehicles amid rising temperatures; officers noted that a few cases involved electric vehicles with dog mode keeping pets safe and one incident led to an animal neglect citation.

A wildfire started Friday near China Hat Road—also known as Forest Road 18—southeast of Bend, prompting Level 3 evacuations near the Arnold Ice Cave and Level 2 alerts near Horse Ridge and Fuzztail Butte.

Fire crews reported 20 acres burned by noon and moderate spread across sagebrush and juniper trees.

Bend is putting $1M from its Affordable Housing Fund toward two homeownership projects—$350K will assist eight households near Bear Creek Road and Northeast 15th Street while Thistle and Nest will use the remaining funds to continue building at Woodhaven Estates.

Poor air quality – a result of nearby wildfires – has forced emergency protocols at the Lighthouse Navigation Center, where Timothy Miranda and others with lung issues seek safe shelter.

Director Jerry Kaping noted that increased overnight stays and running water supplies underscore the ongoing health risks.

Mellow Mushroom offers free kids’ meals on Tuesdays from Aug.

4 to Oct. 27 for children 10 and under with an adult purchase of $15 or more when dining in at all locations, and starting Sept. 8, kids will also receive a free plush Mel (while supplies last).