CTGR Emergency Services, Sheridan Fire District battle three-alarm fire

SHERIDAN – Several homes between Sheridan and Willamina were evacuated due to a wildland fire Saturday evening, but families were able to return home shortly afterward. No injuries were reported.

Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and Sheridan emergency services crews were dispatched to a possible wildland fire in the area of Rock Creek Road and West Main Street between Sheridan and Willamina.

“Initial information noted heavy smoke in the area, but it was unknown what was on fire,” a joint press release from CTGR Emergency Services and the Sheridan Fire District stated. “Due to the smoke column, the fire was upgraded to a second alarm wildland fire, adding resources from Amity and McMinnville.”

According to the press release, upon arrival, crews found a wind driven fire moving east through vegetation and debris. Due to the fuel loads, wind activity and proximity to structures, it was upgraded to a three-alarm fire.

“This brought resources from all over Polk and Yamhill Counties.,” it stated. “Additionally, addresses between 1350 W. Main St. and Rock Creek Road were given evacuation notices on both sides of West Main Street. Due to the size of the fire and limited access, the fire was divided into several divisions, allowing more efficient containment and resource management. The majority of the fire was contained between Rock Creek Road and Chip Yard Road. There was one small spot fire that crossed Chip Yard Road, however this was quickly extinguished.”

According to an earlier press release, evacuation notices were lifted shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday, July 11.

No structures were lost during the fire, which eventually spread to three acres but as of press time, was not expected to grow further. No injuries were reported during the incident. Crews will continue to monitor the fire throughout the coming days and the cause is under investigation by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office. The investigation is expected to conclude within 30 days. 

There were several explosions, described as small, caused by stored chemicals among the debris, according to the press release, which said the debris “also contained astro turf and other debris that will continue to burn for some time. … Heavy equipment was ordered to begin pulling apart debris piles for more thorough extinguishment and to reinforce containment lines.”

Tribal Emergency Services Chief Steve Warden said he was grateful for the strong mutual aid partnerships in Yamhill and Polk counties.

“Incidents like this one are prime examples of how important it is to have good relationships with neighboring agencies and those beyond,” he said.

Partnering agencies that responded included the Tribal Natural Resources Department, Amity Fire District, McMinnville Fire District, Carlton Fire District, Dallas Fire Department, Dayton Fire District, Polk County Fire District No. 1, Southwest Polk Fire District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Newberg Police Department and the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Emergency Services Public Information Officer Mariah Walters asked people to be cautious about any activity that can cause sparks or emit embers during fire season, when fire can spread rapidly through dry grass and brush.

Fire season lasts until fall or winter rains set in, reducing the fuel loads.