Combine Sparks 7-Acre Brush Fire Near Forest Grove, Prompting Third Alarm Response

FOREST GROVE, Ore. — A combine operating in a harvested crimson clover field sparked a fast-moving brush fire Friday afternoon west of Forest Grove, burning approximately seven acres and prompting a third-alarm response as firefighters worked to protect nearby structures.

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was dispatched at approximately 2:55 p.m. on July 10 to a reported miscellaneous fire involving a combine in a field near the intersection of Southwest Spring Hill Road and Southwest Fern Hill Road.

While en route, firefighters upgraded the call to a brush fire due to the potential for rapid fire spread in the dry field. Responding crews soon spotted a large column of smoke and upgraded the incident to a confirmed first-alarm fire before arriving.

Firefighters found two separate fires burning about one acre of the field and spreading away from the combine. Strong winds quickly pushed the flames across the field, leading incident commanders to request a second alarm at 3:08 p.m. to bring in additional personnel and equipment.

Crews used four-wheel-drive firefighting apparatus to access the rugged terrain, driving along the fire’s edge while attacking the flames. Firefighters were able to stop the fire’s westward spread, but gusty winds continued pushing flames to the east and south.

At 3:30 p.m., the incident was upgraded to a third alarm as additional resources were requested to protect a nearby shop building and heavy vegetation threatened by the advancing fire.

Firefighters declared the blaze under control at 3:59 p.m. Mutual aid crews were gradually released back to their home agencies while remaining personnel spent another 30 minutes extinguishing hot spots. One fire crew remained at the scene after the incident to patrol for any rekindles.

Officials said the fire ultimately burned approximately seven acres. The blaze is believed to have started while a combine was processing a cut crimson clover field.

With wildfire season underway, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue is reminding residents, particularly those living in rural areas, to have evacuation plans in place and be prepared to leave quickly if a wildfire threatens their community.

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was assisted by Gaston Fire District, Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Banks Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Yamhill Fire District, AMR, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.