Aug. 12,
2016
2016
Contacts:
Rod Nichols,
503-945-7425, rod.l.nichols@oregon.gov
Bill Fugate, 541-706-1653, bill.fugate@state.or.us
The Oregon State Police arrested
four suspects on suspicion of starting a fire that burned Aug. 5 on
Weyerhaeuser property along Holaday Road in the Scappoose area. The wildfire,
thought to have resulted from an illegal campfire that spread out of control,
ignited several logging slash piles.
An OSP trooper arrested four males
ranging in age from 19-23 on Aug. 6. They were charged with reckless burning,
trespass and littering. The suspects later confessed to having built the
campfire, which is prohibited under current fire safety rules. OSP obtained
video from social media that shows the individuals at the campfire site. Text
messages accompanying the video contain comments to the effect that they
thought they had extinguished the campfire.
ranging in age from 19-23 on Aug. 6. They were charged with reckless burning,
trespass and littering. The suspects later confessed to having built the
campfire, which is prohibited under current fire safety rules. OSP obtained
video from social media that shows the individuals at the campfire site. Text
messages accompanying the video contain comments to the effect that they
thought they had extinguished the campfire.
Weyerhaeuser security could file a
complaint against the men. And the Oregon Department of Forestry intends to
take legal action against the suspects to collect fire suppression costs.
complaint against the men. And the Oregon Department of Forestry intends to
take legal action against the suspects to collect fire suppression costs.
Regulated Use rules were in force
when the wildfire occurred and will continue in effect until significant fall
rains allow them to be lifted. These heightened safety restrictions prohibit
campfires and other open fires in order to prevent wildfires during periods of
high fire danger.
when the wildfire occurred and will continue in effect until significant fall
rains allow them to be lifted. These heightened safety restrictions prohibit
campfires and other open fires in order to prevent wildfires during periods of
high fire danger.
“Oregon State Police would
like to remind the public that having a campfire when prohibited is a potential
criminal act,” said OSP’s Bill Fugate. “If an unintended wildland fire occurs,
the crime would be more severe. Please obey fire restrictions so all may enjoy
our forests.”
like to remind the public that having a campfire when prohibited is a potential
criminal act,” said OSP’s Bill Fugate. “If an unintended wildland fire occurs,
the crime would be more severe. Please obey fire restrictions so all may enjoy
our forests.”
Firefighting crews worked through
the night last Friday to control the wildfire. No homes were threatened by the
blaze. Scappoose Fire District was assisted in the suppression effort by
Columbia River Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
the night last Friday to control the wildfire. No homes were threatened by the
blaze. Scappoose Fire District was assisted in the suppression effort by
Columbia River Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
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