Exploding Cook Stove Causes 5.8 Acre Fire
Release Date: Jul 8, 2011
Contact(s): Dan Eddy 541.750.7026, Katie Sapp 541.750.7028
An almost six acre fire near Carter Lake was reported to the Siuslaw National Forest around 9 pm on July 3. Coos Forest Protection out Reedsport was first on scene. Working in cooperation with Oregon Department of Forestry’s Western Lane Unit, Coos Forest Protection and Siuslaw National Forest Fire Crews took action to suppress the fire.
Fire resources from across the Siuslaw National Forest pitched in to extinguish the fire that had burned into beach grass off of Carter Lake Trail. The fire was reported as contained and confined early in the morning of July 4. The crews followed up with additional mop-up efforts Monday.
“We have been working on continuing to strengthen our relationships with our neighboring agencies and cooperators,” explained Dan Eddy, Zone Fire Management Officer for the Siuslaw National Forest. “This allows for a quick response to any wildfire regardless of land ownership and allows for a smooth transition of command once the owning agency is on scene.”
The fire started due to an exploding cook stove and quickly spread through the surrounding beach grass. Though we have had a relatively wet spring and early summer, visitors need to be aware that fuels are drying out and capable of carrying fire. Over ninety percent of the wildfires on the Siuslaw National Forest are human caused, so the forest asks visitors to be constantly vigilant.
Fires can be avoided if visitors just follow a few rules to be fire safe, points out Eddy.
“Visitors should make sure that camp fires are kept small, are always attended and are completely extinguished using tools and water, until cool to the touch. This will greatly diminish the chance of causing a wildfire,” Eddy said. “Also, as fuels continue to dry out, we ask that visitors be careful with any type of heat source that could cause a fire.”
Please be extra careful when visiting or traveling throughout the Forest. Any wildfires spotted on or near the forest can be reported to Siuslaw Dispatch at 541-750-7024. If you have any questions concerning the fire situation in your area, contact your local Forest Service office or visit our web site at http://www.fs.usda.gov/siuslaw. You can also follow us at Twitter.com/siuslawNF