Pickup Truck Sparks Wildfire In Sweet Home – KXL

3:30PM Update – Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan is removing the Level 1 evacuation status for the area near Rice Road in Sweet Home. 

SWEET HOME, Ore. – A fast-moving wildfire ignited by a pickup truck operating in tall, dry grass burned 25 acres near the Holley area west of Sweet Home on Monday afternoon, prompting evacuations and a major multi-agency firefighting response.

Sweet Home Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s South Cascade District responded to the blaze just after 4 p.m. on Rice Road. The fire spread quickly through grass, brush, and timber, reportedly moving toward homes and threatening structures.

The incident commander immediately called for a second alarm, and later a third, bringing in resources from Brownsville, Halsey, and Lebanon Fire. Additional coverage was provided by Scio and Albany fire crews. A Pacific Power team shut down power lines in the area as a precaution.

A Type 1 helicopter was deployed for aerial support, and a bulldozer was brought in to assist with constructing containment lines. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office, with help from Sweet Home Police, conducted evacuations.

Level 3 evacuation orders were issued for Rice Road and Crescent Hill Road but were downgraded to Level 1 by 5:24 p.m. after crews successfully halted the fire’s forward progress. As of Tuesday morning, Level 1 evacuations remain in effect while crews continue mop-up operations.

The fire destroyed one RV, damaged the siding of a pumphouse, and caused minor heat damage to several structures. No injuries or casualties were reported.

Authorities confirmed the fire was sparked underneath a pickup truck that was operating in dry grass. The vehicle itself was not damaged, but the fire quickly spread to surrounding vegetation and the nearby RV.

Crews from Scio and Albany are assisting with mop-up efforts. The fire is currently 60% contained, with full containment expected by the end of the day. All evacuation orders will be lifted once containment is complete.

In total, ODF South Cascade deployed six engines, one water tender, one dozer, and four overhead team members, totaling 18 personnel. Structural fire response included nine engines, three water tenders, and five overhead personnel, for a total of 32 firefighters on scene.