A homeowner burning tree limbs on a property along Highway 34 saw the flames escape a burn pile and scorch 2.39 acres last weekend, Philomath Fire and Rescue reported.
The fire department was dispatched to the 22000 block of Highway 34 at 12:49 p.m. Saturday for a report of a natural cover fire located in a field.
According to a report on the incident, Fire Chief Chancy Ferguson was the first to arrive on scene, who estimated the fire at the time to be about a half-acre. Firefighters attacked the blaze with a pump-and-roll method — a common grassland fire tactic that involves a truck moving slowly with its fire pump engaged.
No property damage or injuries were reported.
The homeowner had a burn permit for the operation during hours authorized by the Department of Environmental Quality, officials said.
Philomath Fire and Rescue sent two trucks with five crew members while five others served in standby positions at the station. The Corvallis Fire Department responded to the scene as well with two vehicles, equipment and three crew members. The Monroe Rural Fire Protection District was initially dispatched with an engine but that was canceled en route.