Weyco Fire Suspect Arrested, Aug. 15

The Oregon State Police arrested four suspects on suspicion of starting a fire that burned Aug. 5 on Weyerhaeuser property along Holaday Road in the Scappoose area. The wildfire, thought to have resulted from an illegal campfire that spread out of control, ignited several logging slash piles. An OSP trooper arrested four males ranging in age from 19-23 on Aug. 6. They were charged with reckless burning, trespass and littering. The suspects later confessed to having built the campfire, which is prohibited under current fire safety rules. OSP obtained video from social media that shows the individuals at the campfire site. Text messages accompanying the video contained comments to the effect that they thought they had extinguished the campfire. Weyerhaeuser security could file a complaint against the men. The Oregon Department of Forestry intends to take legal action against the suspects to collect fire suppression costs.regulated Use rules were in force when the wildfire occurred and will continue in effect until significant fall rains allow them to be lifted. These heightened safety restrictions prohibit campfires and other open fires in order to prevent wildfires during periods of high fire danger. “Oregon State Police would like to remind the public that having a campfire when prohibited is a potential criminal act,” said OSP’s Bill Fugate. “If an unintended wildland fire occurs, the crime would be more severe. Please obey fire restrictions so all may enjoy our forests.” Firefighting crews worked through the night last Friday to control the wildfire. No homes were threatened by the blaze. Scappoose Fire District was assisted in the suppression effort by Columbia River Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry.