Forest fire in Lower Lake Creek caused by pile burning

A small fire on Lower Lake Creek Road, initially thought to be a residential fire, was extinguished by the U.S. Forest Service last week. Four engines from Troy Rural Fire Department initially responded to the scene but contacted the Forest Service. The burn was designated a wildland fire since there were no buildings on the scene.

One engine and four firefighters from the Forest Service then responded to the scene.

According to the burn investigation, the fire was most likely caused by a pile burning. Until next month, pile burning is permitted because weather conditions, melting snow and rain, create mostly wet grass and shrub.

The pile that caused the Lower Lake Creek fire, however, was left unattended and thus not confined.

Chris Johnson, an officer at Three Rivers District office, said that most fires during this time period are caused by burning piles. He emphasized that people “should closely watch and contain their fires.”

“But it did more good than harm,” he added, noting that getting rid of dry grass and brush makes larger forest fires less likely.