Chevy Fire in Madras contained, evacuation notice dropped after swift response by firefighters
Gregory Deffenbaugh
(Update: adding video)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Chevy Fire sparked just after 12:30 Saturday afternoon on vacant land off Highway 97 in Madras. Officials say a mini excavator working in dry grass and shrubs ignited the flames.
KTVZ was there and spoke with Ludie Bond, public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Service, about the fire and subsequent response.
“All the resources had responded with a lot of equipment and we got this thing fully contained within about 30 minutes,” said Bond.
The fire was about a quarter of an acre when it was reported, then quickly grew to two acres within an hour — threatening homes, and the large Chevy dealership it bordered. Crews were able to stop the flames before any structures were damaged.
“It was critical to get the forward progression stopped as soon as possible. We were in the process of ordering air resources, but the ground resources that responded got it contained very quickly,” said Bond.
After the initial attack and containment phases, firefighters began “mop up” operations — dousing hotspots to keep the flames from reigniting in the dry, windy conditions.
“They are searching out the hotspots that are still remaining out there, digging them up, putting water down to make sure that they are extinguishing all the areas that are hot and smoking. But we’re putting water down and there’s low humidity, so this water can dry up very quickly. Crews will continue to come, put eyes on this fire, continue mop up, continue monitoring for a while,” said Bond.
About 85% of wildfires in the U.S. are human-caused — mostly by accident — making awareness and preparation critical during peak fire season.
To best protect yourself, your property, and others, be sure to stay informed by signing up for local alerts. Know where your fire extinguishers, water sources, and shovels are in case you need to access them quickly. Keeping your phone on you to call 911 or receive evacuation notices is also crucial.
During fire season, even simple activities such as mowing your lawn or hauling your boat come with risk.
“This was an accidental fire that happened. And it just goes to show you how quickly just one spark can spread and threaten local homes and businesses. Get out, recreate, enjoy this beautiful weather, enjoy the natural areas of Central Oregon, but be careful. You’re pulling your boat down to have a good time for the weekend, make sure your chains have chain guards on them. Simple things like that can make a big difference,” said Bond.
The area was issued a short-lived level 3 evacuation notice, but returned to normal status before 5pm on Saturday.
The quick response by officials stopped the further spread of the Chevy Fire, but it’s a good reminder for Central Oregonians to stay aware and prepared as fire season is still ongoing.
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A quickly spreading grass fire ignited by construction equipment was stopped just short of nearby homes Saturday afternoon, thanks to a fast and coordinated response from Jefferson County Fire & EMS and partnering agencies.
Crews were dispatched at 12:37 p.m. to a reported wildfire near 2000 SW Highway 97. Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately one-quarter acre of grass and shrubs burning on vacant land near an active construction site. According to Jefferson County Fire & EMS, a mini excavator in use at the site sparked the fire, which began running toward homes on the southeast side of the fire area.
Emergency personnel, including five wildland units, one engine, one tender, and support crews, worked quickly alongside the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) to stop the fire’s forward progress. A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notice was issued briefly but was quickly downgraded after containment was achieved.
Fire Chief Jeff Blake praised the swift actions of responders. “We were lucky everyone was available in station and not working other calls for service when this fire came in,” Blake said. “The quick response from our on-duty staff and students saved a lot more damage from happening. Our volunteers played a key role in staffing additional resources.”
UPDATE: The evacuation level has been downgraded to a LEVEL 1.
Firefighters are making progress on containing and extinguishing the fire.
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters are rushing to the scene of a new wildfire in Jefferson County, just south of Madras.
The Chevy Fire is currently burning along U.S. 97.
Level 3 – “GO NOW” – Evacuations are in place.
