FireLines: Serious Fire off Mott Road

Jake Jakabosky
with valuable assistance from Tom McMackin

High Prairie experienced one potentially serious fire this summer near Mott Road. On Sunday, July 15, at 4:30 p.m., a mower struck rocks, throwing sparks into dry grass. The small fire quickly spread westward into a field of ripe canola, which is an oil-seed crop. The oil is like gasoline, and firefighters reported flames almost as tall as the oak trees. The column of dense, black smoke was easily visible from locations around the region.

High Prairie Fire District responded immediately with brush trucks and a 4,000 gallon tender. Lyle Fire District arrived shortly, and mutual aid requests went out to the Department of Natural Resources; Centerville, Rural 7, Goldendale, and Bingen Fire Districts; and the Forest Service Scenic Area. 

There were soon 70 personnel on-scene operating 18 brush trucks, 3 tenders, and 2 dozers. In addition, 2 Fire Boss aircraft dropped water and a helicopter was on standby to assist. High Prairie’s Fire Chief and the DNR Southeast Unit Manager provided unified command of the operation. 

Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notices were sent to residents west of Hartland Road. The fire was finally contained by 10:30 p.m. at 86 acres, mostly in the canola field – a significant loss for the farmer. 

One dramatic moment occurred as a High Prairie unit was working its way along the fire’s perimeter, putting out flames in the tall grass. Up ahead, next to a residence, was a shed containing an RV and boat. With amazing timing, they arrived just as flames were starting up the wall of the shed. Being on the spot at that moment saved the shed and probably the house as well. 

Chief Darland sent a “thank you” to all the local, state, and federal agencies providing aid during the incident, stating, “Your professionalism and assistance was greatly appreciated!”

^ Top


 


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.