On March 15, 2024 at 12:34pm Sweet Home Fire District was dispatched to a wire down in the rural area of Cascadia, about 13 miles east of Sweet Home. First arriving units found flames 2-3 ft high along Highway 20, quickly moving into nearby trees and brush. Extinguishing the fire proved difficult due to a live power line on the ground, but thanks to Pacific Power’s quick response crews were able to contain the fire to about a 300ft x 25ft area. Sweet Home Fire was assisted on scene by an engine from Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police and Linn County Sheriff’s Office. This is a startling reminder of how fast fuels can dry out with just a few days of sunshine, as we are far ahead of the normal time of year we see incidents such as this.
At 5:26 pm, crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 2700 block of Long St. Initial reports were of a shed fire spreading to a tree. As crews were going enroute information was updated that the house was now also on fire. The on duty Battalion Chief arrived less than two minutes after being dispatched, finding the shed fully involved, burning up the tree and the siding of the house actively burning spreading up into the eaves. After a quick knock down the fire did not reach the interior of the home, the shed was a complete loss along with part of a carport. Crews were on scene for close to 90 minutes checking for extension into the house and attic space. Sweet Home Fire responded with 3 chief officers, two engines and a medic unit. We were assisted on scene by Sweet Home Police Department. Cause of fire has not been determined at this time.
Throughout this busy day Sweet Home medics ran several medical calls. With four calls being at one time, bringing Lebanon Fire District medic units over to assist. A big thank you to Lebanon Fire District for their assistance with several medical calls requiring transport to local hospitals.
If photo is available it can be found here
Busy day for Sweet Home Firefighters with early brush fire, structure fire and multiple medical calls. (Photo)
