PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - Although the extreme heat wave has subsided, officials are advising residents to remain vigilant about fire hazards.
On Thursday, fire crews battled multiple fires across the Portland metro area, noting that fire season has started earlier than usual.
Clackamas Fire reported responding to a two-alarm brush fire originating from an encampment in a wooded area near South Holly Lane and Maplelane Road in Oregon City around 1:30 p.m.
“You saw a plume of black smoke,” stated Josh Santos, Battalion Chief of Clackamas Fire District 1. “The fire spread from this direction, with the wind pushing it through the contents of the houseless camp.”
The battalion chief confirmed that there were no serious injuries. The primary concern was the fire spreading to the tree line.
“When we arrived, flames had reached the tops of two or three large trees,” Santos explained. “Our main worry was the fire spreading into the timber and potentially reaching the nearby housing developments to the east.”
Nearby residents expressed their gratitude for the firefighters' swift response.
“This was a significant fire, so it was concerning,” said Don Dunaway, a local resident. “The fire department did an excellent job; they arrived quickly and extinguished it.”
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was likely human-caused, although not necessarily intentional.
In Portland, fire crews also tackled a small brush fire on North Marine Drive around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest region reported that since June, there have been 100 human-caused wildfires in Oregon and Washington's national forests and grasslands. They are urging the public to remain cautious as hot and dry conditions increase fire risk.
Residents near the Oregon City fire are taking steps to protect their properties.
“Trying to keep the grass trimmed so it doesn’t ignite and spread to the house,” said Dean Cunningham, a local resident.
The Forest Service has imposed campfire restrictions across 13 regional national forests.
