Shortly before 5pm, Gaston Firefighters were dispatched to a reported brush fire in the area of Mount Richmond Road and South Road near the community of Cherry Grove. Firefighters arrived in the area a few minutes later and had to access the fire using a rough, overgrown dirt road. After traveling almost a mile on this roadway, crews found the fire burning in light vegetation. First arriving firefighters made a very quick attack on the flames, stopping the fire from further spreading. In total, approximately 1/2 an acre was burned. As additional crews arrived, they were able to extinguish remaining hot spots and dig a dirt trail around the perimeter. Firefighters were assisted by a extremely generous neighbor that used his tractor to cut and mow along the perimeter, saving firefighters over an hour of additional work. The firefighters then turned their attention to digging apart and cooling down the burn pile. The burn pile spread out of control, causing the brush Fire. The burn pile was not attended by anyone and had no safety measures in place.
We want to remind everyone, especially with hot temperatures approaching. If you’re going to have a burn pile, always watch the burn with a hand tool and water source, have a bare dirt area surrounding it (width should be as high as the flames) and never leave them unattended.
Gaston Fire District was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Oregon Department of Forestry and Yamhill Fire District.
Scene Information
Brush Rigs – 6
Water Tenders – 2
Chiefs – 3
Total personnel – 21