Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue On Alert For Wildfires

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July 9, 2010

Special precautions were taken yesterday by Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue firefighters to prepare for high temperatures and increasing fire danger. To guarantee an even quicker response to fires, TVF&R suspended attendance at a few community events. Firefighters from stations equipped with wildland fire apparatus were also including 4-wheel drive wildfire units on all incidents.

TVF&R's level of preparedness and readiness allowed them to quickly bring the right resources to a fast-moving grass fire near Sherwood the day before. A hay field at 2133 SW Lebeau Road, a rural area south of Sherwood, was burned by the 3 acre fire. A powerful south wind and temperatures in the mid- 90's were causing the fire to quickly spread. Flame lenghts were of 20-30 feet when the first unit arrived at 5:40 p.m.

The Incident Commander called a second alarm due to concerns about the fire spreading to nearby home and forested area, as well as the need to haul water to the site. Units from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue,  Newberg Fire, Hillsboro Fire, Lake Oswego Fire and Washington County Fire District 2 all eventually responded.

Crews were able to contain the fire outside the adjacent forest areas, as well as successfully protecting all home and structures. There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is currently undetermined.

"Conditions exist again today that can cause even a small fire to rage out of control quickly 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," says TVF&R Communications Officer Brian Barker in a news release.



Author:Renee Marquart - Fire Department Network News