Silage fire is still burning
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 conducted a follow-up inspection on a silage pile fire in southwest Hermiston that was first reported on Dec. 8. Inspectors found that the property owner is continuing to work to extinguish the pile using a combination of water and heavy equipment.
UCFD1 reports that the owner hauled off 15 loads of silage over the weekend as well. The fire district is continuing to work with the owner and remains in communication with regulatory agencies concerned about the fire and will do so until it is completely extinguished. In a previous communication, Chief Scott Stanton said that Fire Marshal Scott Goff is leading the investigation and communicating with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Umatilla County Smoke Management, and the city of Hermiston.
The Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporate Division lists the owner of the property as Carter & Wyatt Holdings LLC. In 2017, that company was fined close to $30,000 by DEQ for operating without a permit.
“These types of fires occur when organic materials begin to break down,” an earlier release from UCFD1 stated. “During the ensiling process, heat is released which, given the right conditions, can lead to smoldering and open combustion.” The fire does not fall under the regulations of the fire district’s open burning ordinance. For that reason, management of the fire is considered the responsibility of the owner. UCFD1 reports the fire is contained within the pit.
