BUTTE FALLS, Ore. — A grass fire near the town of Butte Falls southeast of Shady Cove grew to 5.5 acres before forestry crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and local firefighters were able to knock down and contain the flames.
Reports of a grass fire came in to ODF just after 5 p.m. on Wednesday night, prompting a quick response from forestry crews and firefighters from the Butte Falls Rural Fire District.
The first ODF engine on-scene requested additional resources as the fire—dubbed the Truck Road Fire—spread rapidly through a mix of tall brush and timber on private land. The flames torched trees and stiff winds caused frequent spot fires, proving troublesome for fire crews.
ODF says that their "aggressive initial attack" consisted of five engines, one hand crew, a dozer, aircraft and two helicopters. Within an hour, fire crews were able to stop the spread of the fire.
By Wednesday night, three 10-person hand crews were still working to grid the area for hot spots.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.