Last night's brush fire in Sherwood was situated in a marsh area immediately north of Oregon Street. Gusting winds pushed the fire in deep grass in an eastern direction towards SW Tonquin Road. In addition to the wind, firefighters were hampered by limited access, deep holes, and muddy conditions. Heavy smoke billowed into the adjacent residential neighborhoods as the fire moved passed SW Hall, SW Lower Roy, SW Orland, and SW Brickyard. Homes were never threatened as firefighters were able to contain the blaze in the green space north of Oregon Street. As the fire burned closer to the bridge over Rock Creek, firefighters used a master stream from an aerial unit to finally douse the blaze. The fire was controlled at 9:30 PM, roughly three hours after it started.

Approximately 40 firefighters from TVF&R, Lake Oswego, Newberg, and Washington County Fire District 2 worked to control the fire.

Additional News Release Issued by Sherwood Police Department on 7/15:

On 07/13/2013 around 6:30pm the City of Sherwood Police Department responded to a report of illegal fireworks and brush fire off Oregon St. It was reported that three white males were seen running from the area of the fire. The three individuals were described as white males, wearing shorts with no shirts. The Sherwood Police Department is seeking the help of the public with any information related to the fire or identification of the subjects seen leaving the area. Please call non-emergency 503-629-0111 with information.

The initial investigation conducted by Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue determined the origin of the fire began 50-75 feet from the railroad tracks where a spent firework was located. Additional modified fireworks were located along the railroad tracks by the Sherwood Police Department on 07/14/13. The Portland Police Explosive Unit Division examined the modified fireworks and rendered them safe. They were collected as evidence.