Local fire crews along with area farmers put out several brush fires near Marks Road on Monday.
Just before noon, Umatilla County Fire District #1 (UCFD No. 1) was dispatched to a brush fire on Marks Road. Upon arrival, crews found several brush fires along the south side of the railroad tracks.
Firefighters utilized access roads in their brush trucks to stop the fire from spreading north. Mutual aid was provided by Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District, Echo Fire Department and local farmers who helped by “disking.” Disking is when farmers use a tractor attachment to till the grass, creating a gap between the advancing flames and the rest of the field. This gives firefighters a chance to get ahead of the blaze.
The fire burned an estimated 75 acres, according to UCFD No. 1. Crews stayed on the scene throughout the night to monitor hot spots. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
