Local Agencies Encourage Vigilance After

Weekend Brush Fire Fire at Thurston Hills Natural Area was human-caused

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28 fire officials received a report of a fire at Thurston Hills Natural Area, 7575 McKenzie Highway, near Camas Crest Trail on the western side of the property. The smoke plume was visible from most of Springfield Sunday morning.

Oregon Department of Forestry and Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire and Rescue responded and put out the 0.16-acre fire over the next few hours.

It is suspected that the source of Sunday’s brush fire was a human-made campfire. Given the location of the fire and proximity to neighboring households, wildfire risk and threat to the surrounding area was very high.

“We are incredibly thankful to our partners with Oregon Department of Forestry and our local fire officials for their immediate and thorough response to this avoidable fire,” said Michael Wargo, Executive Director at Willamalane. “This is a stark reminder to all of us that fires can happen anywhere. We are asking our community to help in any way they can to help prevent wildfires. Smoking, campfires, or any fireworks are prohibited at Springfield parks and natural areas. And, if you see any of these activities, please report them immediately.”

Willamalane has a dedicated hotline and email address to report park issues. Community members can report any non-emergency fire-related concerns to Willamalane’s park safety line at 541-736-4104. If there’s an emergency or active fire, call 911.