LEBANON, Ore. – Firefighters battled a brush fire near Brewster Road and E. Grant Street on Sunday that burned about 1.2 acres and kept crews on scene for more than two and a half hours.
According to Lebanon Fire District, firefighters were called to the area at about 5:04 p.m. on July 12. The first battalion chief on scene found smoke coming from trees about 75 feet in from the river. Crews immediately launched a drone to get an aerial view of the fire and figure out how to attack it. The fire had the potential to grow, so the incident was upgraded to a First Alarm. Two off-duty firefighters and six volunteer firefighters came in to help put out the flames.
Firefighters used a portable water pump to pull water directly from the river since the area was remote. The Oregon Department of Forestry brought in a dozer and built a containment line around the fire to stop it from spreading further.
One firefighter was stung by a bee during the response. No other injuries were reported.
While crews fought the fire, both Lebanon Fire District medic units had to leave to respond to three separate medical emergencies, including a cardiac arrest. Albany Fire Department stepped in to provide engine coverage and make sure the community still had emergency response available.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
With hot, dry and windy weather conditions, Lebanon Fire District is reminding people to use extreme caution with any activity that could spark a fire. Even a small spark from equipment, cars, discarded cigarettes or recreational activities can quickly turn into a fast-moving wildfire.