Firefighters douse brush fire in Camp Sherman

An alert resident helped firefighters catch a brush fire in Camp Sherman before it got out of hand.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District responded to the area of Tract C Lane in Camp Sherman at 4 p.m. on May 30 to investigate a report of smoke seen by a resident passerby.

A brush engine crew arrived to find a fire burning in brush and grass on National Forest land adjacent to the 1419-206 forest road near Tract C Lane. Firefighters initiated suppression efforts to contain the three-quarter-acre fire, while the U.S. Forest Service mobilized a quick response from units that were working at prescribed burning operations along Highway 20.

The Fire District credits the alert resident who quickly reported the smoke, along with the quick response from the Forest Service, for keeping this fire from threatening the Camp Sherman community. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire Chief Roger Johnson said, “While outdoor debris burning is closing for the summer, residents should still work to create a defensible space around their homes and take advantage of the upcoming free yard debris disposal program.”

For more information on the free yard debris disposal events and how to create a defensible space around your home, visit http://www.firefree.org. For district residents, the Fire District also offers free home risk assessments to evaluate your home’s defensible space. Call 541-549-0771 to schedule a free home risk assessment.

The Fire District reminds residents that outdoor debris burning closed for the summer fire season on May 31.