Early Morning Structure Fire Threatens Green Home

Douglas County Fire District No.2 crews responded this morning at 03:41 a.m. to a report of a garage fire at 3788 Amber Lane in Green. On arrival at the scene at 03:46 a.m. (5 minutes later) firefighters found a carport and storage building, as well as, large amounts of fire wood that was piled along the walls of both this buildings and a nearby power pole fully engulfed on flames. The fire was so intense that threatened to spread to the residence of property owners Terry and Sandy McVay, located only 4 feet from the garage. Flames and radiant heat hindered firefighters from being able to initially approach the residence and from using a nearby fire hydrant.

The fire was reported to 911 by a neighbor. The property owners were asleep and woke up to the sounds of the fire, and evacuated the house safely.

The incident was declared under control at 04:12 a.m. (26 minutes after arrival). Firefighters remained on scene mopping up smoldering remains until 06:53 a.m. Fire Marshal Josep Pedrola commended the assistance received from neighbor Ron Poteet who helped with his tractor and backhoe moving the large amounts of fire wood present along the side of both buildings and spreading it out nearby to ensure firefighters could extinguish it thoroughly.

Fire investigators determined that this fire was caused by the electrical overheating of a receptacle located inside the storage building.

Initial damage to the buildings and their contents is estimated to be $25,000.

No injuries were reported.

DCFD2 Fire Chief Greg Marlar stated” fire crews did a great stop on this early morning fire and were able to save the residence despite the intense flames they encountered upon their arrival.”

DCFD2 responded to this incident with 2 fire engines, 2 command units, and 12 firefighters. They were assisted by Winston-Dillard Fire District, Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies, PP& L and Avista Utilities.

Out of Control Burn Threatens Residence

A burn pile of yard debris left burning on the back yard of a residence caused one alarm natural cover fire in Wilbur yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, June 20^th). Although the fire damage was limited to the grass and some shrubs, its rapid spread due to the predominant northeast wind posed a serious threat to the residence at 8270 Old Highway 99 North.

The fire was reported at 02:41 p.m. by neighbors, as well as the occupant of the property. 12 fire fighters with 1 fire engine, 2 brush engines and 3 command vehicles from the Winchester, Garden Valley, and Sutherlin Stations arrived on scene at 02:47 p.m. (5 minutes later), and declared the fire under control at 02:48 p.m. (1 minute after their arrival). Fire damage to the residence was avoided largely by the actions of the occupant of the home, neighbors, and a Good Samaritan – Byron Case, who with garden hoses kept the advance of the fire on check until the arrival of fire crews.

Fire investigators determined that the fire most likely started when smoldering ambers on a small burn pile were fanned the afternoon wind and ignited the grass around the burn pile.

DCFD2 strongly advises residents to follow these safety tips closely to avoid fires such as this:

• Have a garden hose connected to a water supply or other fire extinguishing equipment (5 gallon bucket of water, shovels, water fire extinguisher) readily available next to the burn site.
• All ground must be cleared at least 10 feet around burning piles down to mineral soil from grass, weeds and other materials to prevent the unwanted propagation of the fire across them.
• All outdoor fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. The attendant shall have line-of-sight view of the fire, and reliable communications available to summons assistance if needed.

Permit holders shall adhere to the safety instructions and stipulations of the permit at all times; and shall cease burning when conditions develop that can cause the fire to spread (i.e.; wind, blowing brands or embers).

Out of Control Burns Keep DCFD2 Firefighters Busy

The second fire was reported at 05:34 p.m. at 131 Laguna Court in Green. Property owner Bradley Matthews was burning pine needles along side his driveway when the wind blew burning debris into nearby brush causing it to catch on fire. Responding fire crews where at the scene (5 minutes later) and extinguished the fire, which was declared under control at 05:45 p.m. (5 minutes later). A total of 5 firefighters with 2 fire engines and 1 command vehicle responded to this fire.

In both these fires the property owners violated several of the safety provisions that are part of the residential burn permits issued to home owners for the burning of yard debris and placed their property and that of their neighbors at risk.

DCFD2 would like to remind district residents the following:

• As directed by Oregon Revised Statutes and the Oregon Fire Code a permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground.
• Permit holders shall adhere to the safety instructions and stipulations of the permit at all times; and shall cease burning when conditions develop that can cause the fire to spread (i.e.; wind, blowing brands or embers).
• Persons burning in violation of the permit, or whose fires become a threat to public safety are subject to criminal or civil liability for damages arising from burning occurring under their control. Violations of the burning requirements will result in the issuing of citations and invoicing of cost recovery fees for suppression actions taken.

“We would like to encourage property owners that have residential burn permits to burn responsibly. Failing to do so is a reckless disregard to safety and places every one at risk unnecessarily” said Fire Marshal Josep Pedrola

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