‘Suspicious’ blazes in CJ investigated by officials
From our weekly issue dated July 01, 2009
Six small brushfires, including some on Caves Hwy. (above) caused problems in Cave Junction on Wednesday, June 24. Firefighters from several agencies, including Illinois Valley Fire District, were kept busy. (Photo by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)
Six small brush fires on Wednesday afternoon, June 24 kept Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) and other agencies busy.
Although called “suspicious” by IVFD and Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF), which is investigating the causes, no maniacal arsonist was located. However, two boys with fireworks apparently started a fire off Kerby Avenue, resulting in an estimated 2-acre burn, said Chief Harry Rich. It was reported at 2:23 p.m. and handled by IVFD.
Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik said that the blaze threatened some homes, and burned part of a fence.
Some 25 minutes later, during a period of strong wind, five blazes occurred between the 3100 and 3200 blocks of state Hwy. 46. They ranged in size from a quarter acre to 5 acres.
KDRV television reported Tuesday, June 30 that a faulty catalytic converter on a moving car apparently started the Caves Hwy. fires. Because flames from the largest fire jumped the road twice, Oregon State Police temporarily closed the highway because of the numerous pieces of fire apparatus that responded. Some structures were threatened.
Besides IVFD units, equipment was sent by ODF, Rural/Metro Fire Dept., and Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety. ODF equipment was comprised of four engines and a bulldozer.
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A Wildland Task Force from Jackson County was put on alert, but a response was canceled.
One minor injury was reported to IVFD Firefighter Bob Clark. His head was struck by a charged hose line that blew apart. He was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released.
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