Oregon Department of Forestry resources based in Forest Grove are battling a fire several miles west of Henry Hagg Lake. The Scoggins Valley Road fire was reported just after Noon Sunday burning in forestland south of Saddle Mountain. The fire at 3 p.m. is estimated at about 3.5 acres and is 75 percent contained. Cause of the fire is under investigation
ODF dispatched 4 engines to the fire, 3 engines owned by the forest landowner are assisting along with a water tender provided by Gaston Rural Fire Department to assist suppression efforts. Three 10-person crews from the South Fork Forest Camp are being mobilized to assist efforts are the fire scene.
Please be safe if you are venturing into the forests this weekend, for recreation or the opening of several hunting seasons. Open fires, including campfires, remain prohibited on forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. On forestlands or in areas when campfires are allowed, they should be put completely out before leaving the campsite — drown the fire with an abundance of water, stir and separate the hot coals, and drown again until all of the heat has been removed.
Kevin Weeks – ODF Public Affairs Office