Rural Metro & ODF Responded to Roadside Fire along Freeway on Merlin Hill
Rural Metro Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry responded to a roadside fire along Interstate 5 on Merlin Hill again this week. It was not far from a similar fire that occurred Monday afternoon.
Rural Metro and ODF crews were dispatched to the incident on Wednesday.
Engine 7502 from Rural Metro's Monument Drive Station arrived to find the small fire already had been contained by several passersby who jumped into action. This included Smith's Lawn Care with a water tank and hose.
Rural Metro officials said roadside fires like this one are common this time of year due to extremely dry conditions and vegetation that is receptive to the smallest spark.
Officials thanked vigilant citizens who were in the right place at the right time with the tools needed to keep the fire small. But it is the responsibility of anyone taking independent action to understand the hazards fire can impose on personal safety.
Posted on 8/15/25 6:37AM by Sam Marsh
