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This afternoon at 12:17, Gaston Firefighters were dispatched to a reported grass fire on SW Hartley Road in the rural community of Laurelwood, approximately 3 miles outside of Gaston. Firefighters arrived shortly later to find a fire burning in a field, approximately one acre in size. The fire was burning towards an old barn and house, but firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
In total, the fire burned about one and a quarter acre of grass and part of a neighboring garden. The fire was started by the property family member smoking out gophers in the field with a propane torch.
The calendar might say Fall, but we are still in fire season and burning is still banned in our area until further notice. Only small recreational fires are allowed when conducted in a safe manor with a water source and shovel ready to be used.
Gaston Fire District was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue. Cornelius Fire Department and Yamhill Fire District also responded, but were canceled once the fire was extinguished.