OR Dept. of Forestry release – Pedee, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) West Oregon District responded this afternoon to the Fir Grove Fire north of Pedee. The fire was detected around 2:00 p.m. and is approximately seven acres. The cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation. Crews are working hard to get the fire completely lined and plumbed with hose overnight. With the area in a red flag warning, the district and its partners are responding aggressively to keep the footprint as small as possible. Resources on-scene include multiple overhead and engines from the ODF West Oregon District, a 20-person hand crew, 10-person hand crew of adults in custody, two dozers, a type 2 helicopter, and multiple engines and tenders from local fire departments within Benton, Linn, Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties. Once lined and plumbed, the district will remain in the area for the next several days doing mop-up operations and making sure the fire doesn’t re-emerge due to weather conditions. “The West Oregon District, like other areas in western Oregon, are 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule in terms of fire conditions. I encourage everyone to ensure they are following the current fire restrictions that are in place and be mindful of any activities that may be prone to causing a fire.” Michael Curran, West Oregon District Forester, said. Warm and dry conditions make the landscape more at risk for wildfire, which is why public participation in wildfire prevention is so important. With the district in “High” fire danger, Oregonians should check their local fire restrictions before lighting any fireworks, operating an engine-operated machine, or starting a campfire. Check public and industry fire restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx. For wildfire prevention tips, visit www.keeporegongreen.org.
