OSP seeking info on device that started multiple fires
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
MITCHELL, OR – (Press Release from Oregon State Police)
On Saturday, July 31, 2021 at approximately 4:15 A.M., Mitchell Fire Department, Wheeler County Fire and Rescue, and Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office were called to a report of several grass fires along Hwy 26 near milepost 76, just east of Mitchell.
The fires were on both private and public lands.
Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office requested the investigation assistance of the Oregon State Police Arson Unit.
Investigation determined a homemade explosive device was detonated in the center of the highway which caused multiple grass fires to start on both sides of the highway. Due to light winds, low temperatures, and high humidity levels the fires remained small and were extinguished at about 1/10 of an acre total.
This investigation is continuing and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP and leave information for Detective Feland case # SP21-215751
