Mower believed to be cause of Thursday fire in Pendleton

PENDLETON – A mower has been named as the cause of a Thursday fire in Pendleton that briefly closed down the westbound lanes of Interstate 84, according to Pendleton Fire and Ambulance Chief Tony Pierotti

The fire, which has been aptly been referred to as the “Solar” or “Solar Panel” fire, burned near Exit 207 around a large bank of solar panels.

There was no word on if the solar panels sustained any damage.

Several agencies responded to assist Pendleton Fire including Umatilla Tribal Fire, Echo Fire Department, Pilot Rock Fire District, and Oregon Department of Forestry.

Pierotti noted this fire put even more stress on crews that have already had a busy week.

“We had to have East Umatilla (Fire and Rescue) respond to Pendleton for a medical call during this incident,” Pierotti said.

Photo of Thursday’s fire courtesy of Christina Williams

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Elkhorn Media Group