HERMISTON, Ore.-The cause of a fire that caused temporary evacuations in the Bensel Road area in Hermiston on June 5 is now known.
Umatilla County Fire District #1 (UCFD1) crews were dispatched to the area around 4:06 p.m. and found a burning semi-tank trailer leaking diesel fuel.
According to UCFD1, the fire started when burning in a burn barrel spread to nearby combustible materials.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) notified and evacuated residents in the area, and HazMat Regional Team 10 responded due to the diesel spill and monitored the scene.
The semi-tank trailer, chemical totes and a shop building were damaged in the fire, and one firefighter was treated at the scene for a heat-related illness, according to UCFD1.
In addition to the UCSO, Boardman Fire Rescue District, Echo Fire Department, Irrigon Fire Department and the Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District all responded to the fire to provide mutual aid.
A burn ban took effect within UCFD1’s service district on June 1 and will be in effect until October 1.
A full breakdown of UCFD1’s burn policy, including some frequently asked questions concerning when burn season is, and what can be burned is available online.
