Juveniles cited for reckless burning after crews respond to Baker County fire
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On June 22, 2024 at approximately 2:20 p.m., Baker County Sheriff’s Office
Dispatch received a report of a fire that was spreading in the area commonly referred to as the “Dino Pits” near Highway 86 and Grey Eagle Mine Road. Multiple fire agencies responded to the scene. Winds coming from the northwest pushed the fire uphill. Crews battled the fire for approximately an hour and a half. It was contained to just under 2 acres.
Deputy Ebeling spoke with two juvenile males on scene. During the investigation, it was determined that the juveniles threw a smoke bomb, which ignited the dry grass. Both juveniles were cited for Reckless Burning, a misdemeanor.
This is an important reminder that fire season is officially upon us. In 2023, 70% of reported fires in Oregon were determined to be human-caused. Please use extreme caution when recreating outdoors. Check the fire danger level before you go, and be familiar with the Be Ready, Be Set, Go Now evacuation system. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website at www.oregon.gov/osfm.
Baker Rural Fire, North Powder Rural Fire, Keating Rural Fire Protection District, and Lookout-Glasgow Rangeland Fire Protection Association responded to this incident.
