LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — Eight 21-year-olds have been cited for reckless burning after authorities say illegal fireworks ignited a brush fire that threatened multiple homes in Lincoln City on the evening of Independence Day.
According to the Lincoln City Police Department, officers responded around 9 p.m. on July 4 after reports of a brush fire burning on a grassy hillside overlooking the beach near Coast Avenue. The fire was reportedly started when a group of young men launched illegal aerial fireworks from the back porch of a family home. Police emphasized the gathering took place at a private residence and not at a vacation rental dwelling.
Investigators said neighbors witnessed the group recklessly firing the fireworks toward the hillside, which quickly caught fire. Although those involved initially denied responsibility, police said the host of the gathering admitted that he and his guests had started the fire after officers presented video evidence recorded by a neighbor.
The investigation remains ongoing, but the following individuals were cited to appear in Lincoln County Circuit Court on July 20 on charges of Reckless Burning (ORS 164.335), a Class A misdemeanor:
- Alexander Chen, 21, of Portland
- Arvin Kharrazu, 21, of Portland
- Braeden Carter, 21, of Bend
- Ethan Thanh-Tai Tieu, 21, of Battle Ground, Washington
- Jeremy Hannah, 21, of Portland
- Jesse Lindholm, 21, of Portland
- Logan Carter, 21, of Bend
- Olin Gilster, 21, of Portland
The fire ultimately burned approximately 45,000 square feet and came within about 30 feet of three residences, according to officials.
Eight Lincoln City police officers joined 18 firefighters from North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, the Depoe Bay Fire District, the Newport Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Forestry to bring the blaze under control. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Cody Heidt served as the incident commander.
During the response, the Lincoln City Police Department’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team used thermal imaging drones to identify hot spots and monitor the fire’s movement, allowing firefighters to better protect nearby homes. Police said the department’s drone program has become an increasingly valuable public safety resource, assisting with search and rescue missions, locating missing children, and supporting wildfire response.
Authorities credited the coordinated mutual aid response for preventing the fire from destroying nearby homes.
Officials also used the incident to remind the public about the dangers of illegal fireworks, particularly along the Oregon Coast during the dry summer months.
“Thanks to the mutual aid from our small coastal communities, three families still have homes,” the department said. “This is another example of why we take the reckless use of fireworks seriously. Out on the Oregon Coast, in dry months, irresponsible use of fireworks can have grave consequences.”
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