Brush Fire Caused By Escaped Burn Pile (Photo) -04/26/25

At 1:56pm, on Saturday April 26th, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported brush fire on NW Agaard Road in rural Washington County. Crews arrived 17 minutes later to find fire burning in a clear cut and spreading up hill. Firefighters deployed hose lines around both sides of the fire. It took firefighters 20 minutes to stop the forward progress of the fire and have the perimeter of the fire covered by hose lines. It took firefighters another hour and a half of moping up hotspots and digging containment line around the fire perimeter. In total, the fire burned approximately 1/2 of an acre. This land was logged about a year ago and replanted with new trees over the winter. 

 

The fire came within 50 feet of a nearby house, but thankfully burned away from it. Through investigation, it was found the property owner was burning cardboard and spread to nearby vegetation on logging property owned by Stimson Lumber. With varying winds, the fire spread quickly up the hillside. 
 

This area is dual covered by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry. Because the fire started on one property and spread onto another, Forestry Officials fined the property owner.

We want to remind everyone, that if burning is allowed in your jurisdiction, follow local rules on what is and isn't allowed to be burn. If you're allowed to burn, never leave a burn pile unattended and have a shovel and water hose ready to be used. Also burn in an area away from vegetation that could catch fire.

 

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was assisted on scene by Banks Fire District, Cornelius Fire Department, Oregon Department of Forestry, Gaston Fire District, Washington County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police.

 
Scene Information:

Brush Units: 6
Engines: 2
Water Tenders: 2
Chiefs: 2
 

Total Firefighters: 30

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