Video: Landfill Fire Sends Embers Into Nearby Field, Sparking 25-Acre Brush Fire - 08/08/26

Dozens of firefighters responded Saturday afternoon to a fire at a waste management facility in Washington County that sent embers into a nearby 40-acre field of cut grass, igniting a spot fire that grew into a larger brush fire. Approximately 25 acres of the field burned.

At around 4:20 p.m., 911 dispatchers began receiving multiple reports of a large column of black smoke coming from the area of the landfill on Southwest Minter Bridge Road. Firefighters arrived to find a fire at the landfill and soon identified a spot fire caused by embers landing in the dry grass south of the landfill.

The spot fire quickly grew and spread through the nearby field of cut grass. Gusty winds contributed to the fire's spread, allowing flames to move rapidly through the grass and creating additional spot fires.

As the brush fire made a run toward nearby residences, two homes were evacuated as a precaution. Fire crews established structure protection around the homes and successfully prevented the fire from damaging either residence.

Due to the rural location and terrain, firefighters used brush rigs, engines, water tenders and other resources to attack the brush fire from multiple directions.

The landfill portion of the fire covered a little more than one acre. Two bulldozers were used to contain the fire, which consisted of trash and tires.

By the evening, crews had stopped the forward progress of the brush fire and were conducting mop-up operations.

One Hillsboro firefighter working at the landfill fire suffered minor injuries related to overexertion in the heat. The firefighter was assessed on scene.

A fire investigator is working to determine the cause of the landfill fire.

SW Minter Bridge Road was temporarily closed during the response to provide a safe operating area for firefighters and emergency equipment. The Washington County Sheriff's Office assisted with traffic control.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue was assisted by Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department and Forest Grove Fire & Rescue. The Beaverton Police Department provided a drone to assist with aerial size-up and situational awareness. TVF&R also thanks WCCCA for its dispatch coordination during the incident.

Drone footage and scene video available here.