COQUILLE, Ore. – An old burn pile that had held heat buried in the ground since April started a wildfire yesterday afternoon west of Coquille. Firefighters from Coos Forest Protective Association responded to the blaze about 4:30 p.m. With assistance from the Coquille, Arago and Myrtle Point rural fire departments and the help of three helicopters, the fire was stopped at 4.3 acres.
“Dry conditions combined with wind and topography pushed the fire until control efforts were able to stop its advance,” said Jef Chase of CFPA. “This is a reminder to residents that large piles burned this spring should be checked to make sure they are not still holding heat, even if weeks or months have passed.”
Even though debris burning is banned in most parts of Oregon now because of fire danger, old debris piles are still causing headaches for firefighters.