STANFIELD, Ore.-Umatilla County Fire District #1 responded to a grass fire near Kosmos Road in Stanfield on April 27.
Firefighters were dispatched just before 3 p.m. and were able to put the fire out after six acres were burned. No injuries were reported in the fire and the cause is under investigation, according to UCFD#1.
In 2024, 60 percent of the fires reported in Oregon were human caused, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM), with debris burning and equipment use the leading causes.
With yard work season underway and more people spending time outdoors, any fire, especially this early in the season, can serve as a reminder to be fire-wise to help prevent wildfires.
Resources concerning safe burning, equipment use, cooking and traveling are available through the OSFM.
Wildfire safety tips for burning debris
- Check with the local fire or environmental agency to see if it’s a burn day
- Check with your local fire agency to see if a permit is required to burn
- Clear a 10-foot radius around where you intend to burn and keep burn piles small
- Burn only yard debris and always have a shovel and a water source on hand
- Make sure your burn pile is completely out when done
- Check the area for a few days after burning to make sure there’s no heat or smoke
Wildfire safety tips when using equipment
- Use gas-powered equipment as early in the day as possible when fire risk is lower
- Try not to start the equipment near dry grass, weeds or plants
- Try not to hit rocks with your equipment as this can cause sparks that could start fires
- Consider keeping a hose nearby if working in dry areas
