(This burn was originally slated for September 24th and 25th, but has been postponed due to weather conditions.)

TVF&R and Clean Water Services will be partnering on an open field burn at the end of SW 85th Avenue in Tigard from approximately 10:00am - 6:00pm on September 30th and October 1st, 2013 (the date could change depending on weather). This controlled burn will allow Clean Water Services to eradicate non-native plant and grass species effectively and efficiently while providing TVF&R firefighters with valuable brush fire training opportunities. TVF&R and Clean Water Services have successfully conducted burns at this location in 2009 and 2011.

Skills and tactics used for battling brush fires are significantly different than those used for fighting structure fires. This field burning opportunity provides TVF&R firefighters valuable training for urban/wildland interface incidents. The plan entails setting small strip fires in the field that will be allowed to burn for only short periods of time. Firefighters will extinguish these small fires to build their tactical and manual skills and the process will be repeated. Training and Safety Officers will be onsite for the entire event.

The burns will not occur if the weather conditions are unsafe. Correct weather conditions are critical for a successful burn. Hot, dry conditions enable complete burning of the non-native plants and grasses. Anticipated low-wind velocities should cause smoke to rise rapidly away from neighboring residential and recreational areas. While we anticipate only minimal smoke in your neighborhood, closing the windows of your home will help minimize the impact of any brief periods of light smoke.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.