Update on the brush fire near the Silvies River Tuesday afternoon

BURNS-A swift response by local firefighters prevented a wildland brush fire near the Silvies River from spreading to nearby homes on Tuesday afternoon, July 21.

Emergency crews responded to a call reporting a wildland fire near the intersection of Stancliff Road and the Silvies River. Upon arrival, initial units found flames threatening several residential structures in the vicinity.

Firefighters immediately deployed progressive hose lays to surround the blaze and halt its forward progress. After establishing a complete wet line around the perimeter, crews transitioned into mop-up operations to extinguish lingering hotspots. The fire was successfully contained to approximately a quarter-acre (0.25 acres).

Investigators believe the fire was sparked when a bird came into contact with overhead power lines, causing an electrical arc that ignited the surrounding dry vegetation.

Five emergency apparatus and nine personnel were deployed to the scene:

• Burns Fire Department: Engine 103 (2 personnel), Tender 110 (2 personnel), Command 105 (1 personnel)
• Hines Fire Department (Mutual Aid): Engine 6 (3 personnel), Tender 1 (1 personnel)

One minor injury was reported in connection with the incident.

The Burns Fire Department highlighted that its rapid response time was directly made possible by seasonal funding from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Staffing Grant. The grant allows local departments to keep dedicated crews on duty during peak summer fire danger to catch wildfires while they remain small.

Department officials expressed their gratitude to the Hines Fire Department, the Burns Police Department, and the Harney County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and coordinated teamwork in protecting the local community.

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Elkhorn Media Group