4 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Tualatin Valley Fire Rescue firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire Saturday afternoon in a wheat field west of Wilsonville. Several people reported the blaze in the 12700 block of Southwest Westfall Road. Firefighters arriving on scene found a rapidly spreading fire in a recently mowed wheat field that had spread to a neighboring property and burned through brush and trees separating the two properties. With high winds and terrain, firefighters moved the fire to second and then third alarms. Crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire and protect the neighboring home and horse field.

We took this video from KPTV FOX 12 Oregon YouTube Channel.

Unfortunately, the blaze continued to grow and eventually burned seven acres before firefighters were able to extinguish it. The fire investigator determined that the blaze was caused by farm equipment that was operating in the wheat field prior to the fire. This accident serves as a reminder to residents of neighborhoods located among fields, forests and natural areas to provide a 30-foot safety area about their homes where leaves, brush and other combustible materials are excluded. This measure will help firefighters protect homes in the event of a wildfire.

While such incidents can cause significant damage to property and wildlife, it is important to recognize the efforts of firefighters who work tirelessly to contain and extinguish fires. People living in areas prone to wildfires also need to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of such incidents. These measures can include creating defensible space around homes, using fire-resistant building materials, and following local regulations on outdoor burning of debris. By working together, we can reduce the risk of wildfires and create safer communities for everyone.

Wildfires can have a significant impact on our environment and wildlife. They can destroy habitats, disrupt ecosystems, and harm wildlife populations. It is important for us to recognize the role we play in preventing wildfires and protecting our natural spaces.