Season’s first wildfire ignites in timber along Hebo Highway

Burn piles reignited during windy conditions Monday afternoon, sending embers into nearby rotten stumps, according to the Grand Ronde Department of Emergency Services. The fire traveled into timber along the 51000 block of Hebo Highway west of Grand Ronde, requiring response from the Tribe and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

According to Administrative Services Lt. Mariah Walters, crews were able to contain the fire to just under a quarter of an acre and worked to clear debris around the fire line to prevent further spread. The fire was extinguished by evening and the scene turned over to the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Walters said in a press release that “Chief Steve Warden would like to remind everyone to keep a close eye on any burn piles, even if you believe they have been extinguished.”

The piles can reignite, even weeks after they are believed to be extinguished, Walters said, especially on windy days.

“Ensure your fire is out by alternating between stirring the pile and putting water on the pile a few times, then keep an eye on the pile for reignition,” she said.

She noted that humidity can drop quickly, contributing to rapid spread of fire through easily dried light fuels like grasses. It’s important to maintain an appropriately sized area, cleared to dirt, around burn piles.

In addition, Walters said, “consider having a defensible space assessment completed by our staff to mitigate risk to your home in the event that a wildland fire does occur near you.”