DOWNED POWER LINE STARTS GRASS FIRE (PHOTO)
News Release from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue
Posted on FlashAlert: August 22nd, 2015 5:20 PM
Downloadable file: Orchardale_1.JPG
This afternoon at 12:30, August 22nd, Forest Grove Fire and Rescue responded to a reported grass fire at a house in the 14700 block of NW Orchardale Road. When crews arrived, they found fires in two locations, one near the downed power line and one approximately 1/4 mile away at the south intersection of NW Parson Road and NW Orchardale Road. The fire at the downed power lin e was small and smoldering and couldn't be be quickly extinguished due to the energized power line. The fire located at the intersection was approximately 1/4 acre in size and burned grass, brush and fence posts. The fire at the intersection appears to have been started due to a voltage change from the downed power line, this change caused sparking at a near by power pole and igniting the grass down below. Both fires were quickly extinguished when deemed safe to do so.
The power line located in front of a residence was knocked down by a tree that was cut down by the occupant of that house. This individual used a gas powered chainsaw to cut down the tree. This rural location also sits in the Fire Protection area of the Oregon Department of Forestry and falls under restrictions during fire danger. When the incident occurred, gas power chainsaw use was not allowed. Because the fire started from the use of a chainsaw, the operator of the chainsaw was fined and also will be responsible for cost of Department of Forestry personnel and equipment.
Please be very cautious with all outdoor activities. Conditions are extremely dry, fires can start and spread very easily.
For further information regarding the fine or costs, please contact Oregon Department of Forestry - Forest Grove District Office.
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The power line located in front of a residence was knocked down by a tree that was cut down by the occupant of that house. This individual used a gas powered chainsaw to cut down the tree. This rural location also sits in the Fire Protection area of the Oregon Department of Forestry and falls under restrictions during fire danger. When the incident occurred, gas power chainsaw use was not allowed. Because the fire started from the use of a chainsaw, the operator of the chainsaw was fined and also will be responsible for cost of Department of Forestry personnel and equipment.
Please be very cautious with all outdoor activities. Conditions are extremely dry, fires can start and spread very easily.
For further information regarding the fine or costs, please contact Oregon Department of Forestry - Forest Grove District Office.
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