Camassia Nature Park Blaze Extinguished by Tualatin Valley Firefighters

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At 5:23 on September 7, 2011, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue was called to a reported fire in the Camassia Nature Park. The 22.5-acre park, located between West Linn High School and Interstate 205, includes unique and rare plant species, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails.

To extinguish the fire, firefighters had to carry hose lines approximately 1/8th of a mile into the hilly, wooded park. Firefighters contained the fire in approximately 40 minutes, limiting the fire's damage to grass and scrub oak in a 60 x 75 foot area. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to ensure that hot spots were extinguished. The one-alarm fire brought 27 firefighters to the scene and remains under investigation at this time.

With hot temperatures expected throughout the week, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages individuals to exercise extreme caution when using fire materials. TVF&R Public Information Officer Karen Eubanks states, "With this weather, everything is superheated and when fires start, they spread more rapidly and cause more damage." Simple things like disposing of smoking materials in a metal container, supervising your barbecue activities, and using caution with gasoline and other flammable liquids, can help to reduce the chances of a fire starting in the first place.

In light of hot temperatures this week, TVF&R has curbed all afternoon training activities and staffed its wildfire apparatus to ensure an even quicker response to fires.



Author:Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Press Release