The Darlene 3 Fire had been burning for a little over 24 hours near the City of La Pine when Wednesday’s warm temperatures and afternoon winds stoked the fire to grow and spread. Firefighters from across Oregon were mobilized through the Oregon State Fire Marshal along with wildland crews to fight the fire, among them, a task force from Yamhill County.
The Yamhill County team had been assigned to the eastern side of the fire where they successfully protected a communication tower on Finley Butte. Their next planned assignment was a spot fire that was growing outside the perimeter of the main fire. The task force was tending to their assignment when the wind began to pick up increasing fire activity.
The firefighters moved to a large rock quarry with an area clear of fuels to focus their efforts on protecting structures and heavy equipment on the property. As embers began to fall around them, the team sprang into action to protect the valuable assets.
Firefighters deployed their hoses as embers continued to fall. As the flames approached, the firefighters shifted their focus to protect the most vulnerable structures and equipment. A building at the edge of the quarry began to smolder and the team quickly surrounded it, dousing the flames before they could take hold. Despite their best efforts, two small tool sheds were destroyed by the fire. The main quarry structures and heavy machinery were saved with only minor damage.
When the fire passed, the team took stock of their surroundings. The two small sheds were lost, but the bulk of the equipment remained intact. Their quick thinking and coordinated efforts had saved millions of dollars worth of resources.
“I have lived in La Pine all of my life and appreciate all of the firefighters who are working hard to protect the community I love,” the owner of the property, Vic Russel with Vic Russel Construction, said. “When I saw the fire move east, I thought my building and all of my equipment was lost. Thank you to the fire crews who saved my property and allowed me to keep my business going.”
Many firefighters like those with the Yamhill County task force and hundreds of wildland firefighters continue to fight the Darlene 3 Fire as they care deeply about keeping the community safe.