Firefighters practice wildland fire skills during a training burn in Tigard last year
Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue are taking special precautions today to prepare for high temperatures and the increasing fire danger. To ensure an even quicker response to fires today, TVF&R will suspend attendance at some community events and firefighters from stations equipped with wild-land fire apparatus will be staffing 4-wheel drive wildfire units on all incidents.
A similar level of readiness yesterday allowed TVF&R to quickly bring the right resources to a fast-moving grass fire near Sherwood. The 3 acre fire burned a hay field at 2133 SW Lebeau Road, a rural area south of Sherwood. Temperatures in the mid-90′s and a strong south wind were causing the fire to spreading quickly, with flame lengths of 20-30 feet, when the first unit arrived at 5:40 PM. Concerns about the fire spreading to adjacent homes and a forested area, and the need to haul water to the site, prompted the Incident Commander to call a second-alarm. Units from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Washington County Fire District 2, Newberg Fire, Hillsboro Fire and Lake Oswego Fire eventually responded.
Crews successfully protected all homes and structures and were able to contain the fire outside the adjacent forested area. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is undetermined.
“Conditions exist again today that can cause even a small fire to rage out of control quickly, says TVF&R Communications Officer Brian Barker, “so we need the public’s help to prevent these fires from starting in the first place. Never throw cigarette butts out the window of your car, always use an ashtray. If you’re anywhere near an open flame, take extra precautions today.”
For safety tips and more about TVF&R’s wildland fire strategy, click here.
