HERMISTON, Ore.-Umatilla County Fire District #1 (UCFD) plans to conduct its annual controlled burn on the butte in Hermiston on June 28.
“This controlled burn is a proactive measure that brings significant value to the community ahead of fire season,” said Richard Cearns, Deputy Chief of Operations with UCFD1.
The controlled burn is scheduled to start at 8 a.m., according to UCFD1, and residents should not be alarmed or call 911 if they see smoke or fire on the butte.
The main reason for the controlled burn on the butte is to remove dry brush, grasses and other fuels that could cause wildfire to spread quickly, according to UCFD1.
“By reducing hazardous vegetation, we’re lessening the likelihood of fast-moving wildfires and improving our ability to protect lives and property,” said Cearns.
The controlled burning of vegetation will increase defensible space around the neighborhoods and commercial properties that border the butte to help keep the area safe during peak fire season. UCFD1 firefighters will also get real-world training to prepare for wildfires during the burn.
“It provides essential live-fire training for our personnel, enhancing their readiness and effectiveness when real emergencies occur,” Cearns said.
Before the burn, UCFD1 fire crews will establish containment lines and measures around the area that will be burned to keep the fire in a controlled area and help put it out, if necessary.
Firefighters will then use drip torches to apply fire to the base and mid-slope of the butte to start the controlled burn.
According to UCFD1, the slow ignition from the drip torches helps ensure a safe, low intensity controlled burn.
The annual controlled burn on the butte is carefully planned and fully monitored, according to UCFD1, and residents interested in observing the burn are welcome to do so from a safe distance.
UCFD1 recommends the Butte Park parking lot for observing, however, the burn is a live fire training exercise and anyone who watches is asked to respect boundaries and avoid interfering with fire personnel or equipment.
