Cause of Stouts Fire Determined
By Megan Allison/KTVL.com
A lawn mower. That was determined as the cause of the Stouts Creek Fire today. A landowner near Stouts Creek was using the power tool during restricted hours in the middle of the day. The Medford Fire Department said power equipment can easily cause these types of fires.
"It's deceiving, because people think it's just a lawn mower that's out there or a weed eater or anything like that. But that hits rocks which cause sparks. But stuff is so dry out there it goes much, much quicker than people think," said Justin Bates, the deputy chief at Medford Fire-Rescue.
Bates said people mowing their lawns likely mean no harm. But the risk is too high to keep grasses low during drought season.
"It gets to a certain point where it's so dry like that, there's just so much potential for that stuff to catch on fire," Bates said.
Ashley Lara is the public information officer with the Oregon Department of Forestry. She said the landowner could be held liable for the entirety of the fire's cost.
"He could be liable up to that 24 million dollar cost. In addition, landowners who were affected by the fire could try and go after costs as well," Lara said.
Bates said there are many factors going into that cost.
"As you can imagine it's very expensive when you have airplanes in the air, and firetrucks everywhere and helicopters. So it can be a very huge cost to somebody," he said.
Since the fire started, mowing grass is prohibited at any time of day.
"Right now we're in a complete closure of all power equipment. As fire danger increases, so do those levels as well just for precaution," Lara said.
Lara said if you have any doubt about the restrictions during the fire season, to visit the Oregon Department of Forestry website.