Lebanon Fire Responds To Second Fire In Three Days Along South Santiam River (Photo) (Photo) - 07/15/26
At approximately 7:25 pm, on July 14th, 2026, Lebanon Fire District was dispatched to the second fire in three days in the area of Brewster Road and E. Grant Street. The fire was initially dispatched as a smoke investigation and elevated to a first alarm fire once the Battalion Chief arrived.
Smoke was found in the area, but the location of the fire was unknown. Crews set off on foot and a drone was utilized to locate the fire. GPS coordinates from the drone were given to crews to guide them to the location.
Once firefighters arrived, they reported a 1.4 acre slow moving flame front one quarter mile from the road, and 600 feet from the closest water source. Firefighters attacked the fire with hand tools since fire vehicles were unable to access the fire due to the terrain and heavy brush. A portable pump and approximately 1600 feet of hose were carried in to extinguish hot spots and create a wet line perimeter.
Fire crews contacted the City of Lebanon to assist, who provided a bulldozer to create a containment line around the perimeter of the fire. At approximately 11:00 pm, the Incident Commander determined it was unsafe to continue mop-up due to limited visibility and falling trees. A brush company was assigned overnight to ensure containment lines held.
At 8:00 am on July 15th, 2026, a task force of firefighters deployed back to the fire for continued mop-up and to pick up equipment. Mop-up is expected to be completed this afternoon.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
While Lebanon Fire District was fighting the fire, two other calls occurred. Firefighters were reassigned from the fire to respond in an ambulance.
Ten fire apparatus with 21 firefighters responded to the fire, along with four command staff and a bulldozer. Events like this require significant manpower to stop the fire spread.
Lebanon Fire District would like to thank the City of Lebanon, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, and the Albany Fire Department for their assistance during the incident.
Wildland fire risk is highest this time of year. Open flame in wildland areas can cause fires to quickly spread in these weather conditions. We urge the community to prepare for these events by ensuring you have a proper evacuation plan in place, adequate defensible space, and your home is properly hardened. Visit www.wildfirereadylinnco.org to request a free defensible space assessment of your home and property.
