Brush-Pile Burns Escape Control

Two brush-pile burns in Chiloquin escaped control this week, providing the opportunity for a reminder that fire season isn’t quite over.

The first fire was reported on the 36900 block of South Chiloquin Road Sunday. It consumed one-and-a-quarter acres before crews from the Chiloquin-Agency Lake Fire Protection District were able to extinguish the blaze.

A second fire on Monday burned a tenth of an acre on the 400 block of East Quaking Aspen Street.

Part of the problem is complacency, said CALRFPD Fire Chief Dewaine Holster. Despite recent rains, fuels are still dry and ready to ignite, he explained. Winds also are kicking up embers and fanning the flames of brush piles thought to be extinguished.

We still have potential for fire, Holster said.

Another reported fire on the 21700 block of North Malin Road Friday was thought to be endangering a structure. In fact, the blaze turned out to be an unreported brush pile, said Malin Rural Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Richard Clark.

While specific regulations for burning vary throughout the county, most require a permit so emergency services aware of the activity.