Second Brush Fire Sparks Dry Season Warning

Photo by Chris Chapman – Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry and SHFD gather their gear beside their fire truck as they prepare to tackle a brush fire near a local residence.

Firefighters from the Sweet Home Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry were dispatched to a brush fire on March 19, 2024, marking the area’s second such incident in a surprisingly dry mid-March, authorities said Tuesday.

The fire, reported around 3 p.m., quickly escalated into a large natural cover blaze, with units arriving to find a resident attempting to douse the flames with a garden hose. The fire consumed a significant amount of brush and blackberry bushes, as well as some large fir trees, though it was swiftly contained by responding crews.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the blaze covered approximately 0.20 acres and posed a threat to nearby homes. No injuries were reported in the incident, which saw a total of 13 firefighters working to extinguish the flames.

This recent outbreak underscores a concerning deviation from the norm for the region, which typically benefits from heavy rainfall and moist conditions well into the spring. Local fire authorities are urging residents to exercise caution with open flames and outdoor burning, citing the rapid drying of grass, brush, and trees as a significant risk factor.

“In the wake of two brush fires this March, we’re reminding the community to treat all brush as potentially flammable,” said Chief Nick Tyler. “Even with recent rains, conditions can turn quickly.”

The Sweet Home Fire District is offering home assessments to assist homeowners in creating defensible spaces to protect against wildfires. Christian Whitfield, the District’s Community Wildfire Prevention Specialist, is available for consultations and can be reached at (541) 367-5882 for those seeking further information.

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