New wildfires on ODF-protected land
To date, ODF’s emphasis on putting out fires as early as possible on lands we protect has helped keep acres burned on those lands far below the 10-year average.
Raven’s Ridge Fire – Forest Grove Unit
ODF’s Forest Grove unit responded to the 19-acre Raven’s Ridge Fire. The fire started Saturday afternoon in steep slash and timber in western Washington County. ODF staff now have the fire 100 percent lined and are mopping up. They were aided in their suppression efforts by a logging operator’s dozer and excavator. Other assistance was provided by rural fire departments from Banks, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Vernonia and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, as well as Fire Boss planes and South Fork inmate crews.
Backside Baldy Lane Fire – Douglas Forest Protective Association
An aggressive and coordinated initial attack by the Douglas Forest Protective Association and North Douglas County Fire and EMS stopped a fast-moving grass fire late Saturday afternoon three miles northwest of Yoncalla. DFPA’s helicopter dropped buckets of water on the head of the fire to slow its forward spread. Engine crews from both agencies and a bull dozer from the landowner then worked around the outside of the fire, stopping it at approximately 12 acres. The cause is under investigation.