Emergency Services extinguishes burn pile fire

By Nicole Montesano

Smoke Signals staff writer

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Emergency Services Department responded to a wildland fire on Solar Drive in Willamina on Tuesday, June 25, that spread to between one-quarter and a half acre of property.

“There was no property loss due to the quick response of your Grand Ronde emergency services and their firefighting services to extinguish the blaze,” Emergency Services Chief Steve Warden said.

“We got the call at 4:12 p.m. and it was started by a burn pile that did not have a sufficient fire break around it; the winds picked up and it got into grass and brush,” Warden said.

“Oregon Department of Forestry responded as well and took over the investigation. The fire was quickly contained and controlled, with our total on scene time of one hour and 20 minutes,” he said.

Warden reminded the public that the season for backyard burning has closed, and that agricultural burning will close on July 1. The Oregon Department of Forestry announced on Wednesday, June 26, that it will declare fire season at midnight on Monday, July 1.

Homeowners who want advice on making their property more fire resilient can contact Resiliency Specialist Kaylene Barry at 503-879-3573.

The department is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters, as well as emergency medical services and support staff. More information is available online at www.grandronde.or/services/emergency-services/.

For more information, see the July 15 edition of Smoke Signals.