CAYUSE – At approximately 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21 the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD) helped contain a grass fire near the Johnly gravel pit.
According to an incident report filed by UTFD Chief James Hall, firefighters responded to heavy smoke with a brush truck, a water tender truck and a chief’s vehicle near the gravel pit and immediately requested mutual aid from the Pendleton Fire Department and East Umatilla County Fire & Rescue seeking brush trucks and an additional water tender.
The Pilot Rock Fire Department was also requested for a brush truck along with additional brush trucks from the Oregon Department of Forestry. The Bureau of Indian Affairs responded with four brush trucks, a fuels modular hand crew and a bucket helicopter out of Pendleton, according to the report.
According to Hall’s report, the UTFD brush truck first engaged the fast-moving grass fire that had progressed into a riparian drainage with thick undergrowth of tall grass and noxious weeds.
During the coordinated effort of all the requested resources, a large tractor with discs from the Lyons, Hoppers and Tubbs ranches also provided vital assistance, according to the report.
“The farmers in the area are always on the lookout for smoke and offer their assistance without asking,” Hall stated.
According to the report, the fire was contained around 3:16 p.m. with an approximate 30 acres burned with extensive mop-up needed.
“Overall, the fire had huge potential of being a large fire on the Umatilla Indian Reservation,” Hall stated. “Swift actions by both professional fire crews and local farmers prevented large losses in lives and property.”
