Unattended, escaped Terrebonne debris burn threatens structures, prompts evacuations – and ticket to homeowner

DCSO reminder as heat sets in: Debris burn season ended June 1

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Crews from three fire departments were sent to stop an unattended, escaped debris burn in Terrebonne that had Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies evacuating threatened neighbors, prompting a homeowner citation and a reminder Tuesday that burning season is over - and fire danger rising.

The sheriff’s office was dispatched around 5:30 p.m. Sunday to help Redmond, Crooked River Ranch and Jefferson County firefighters at the escaped debris burn spreading through a property in the 1500 block of Northwest Ice Avenue, Sergeant Jason Wall said.

The fire spread south quickly amid 80-degree temperatures and strong winds, approaching another property and leading to “numerous structures being threatened,” Wall said in a news release.

Firefighters were able to stop the fire’s spread as deputies helped evacuate nearby properties.

“Due to the firefighters on scene, the structures were saved from complete destruction,” Wall said. Crews remained on scene for several hours to assure the blaze was fully extinguished.

An investigation determined the cause of the fire was a debris burn pile that was left unattended, Wall said, noting that debris burns have been banned since June 1.

The fire consumed about four acres of dry weeds, bushes and trees, but was kept from causing any serious damage to numerous nearby structures.

The homeowner who started the debris burn pile was issued a citation.

"The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents that debris burns are banned and prohibited as of June 1st," Wall wrote. "Debris burning is described as burning with burn barrels, weed burners, field, ditch, and open pile burning. It is always recommended to consult with the fire station in your jurisdiction when considering burning."