PRESS RELEASE Sheriffs Deputies Complete Scoggins Creek Fire Assistance September 23, 2014—The Washington County Sheriff’s Office completed their assistance with the Scoggins Creek Fire incident. The Sheriff’s Office worked in partnership to assist numerous local and state agencies as they combated the fire. From September 19 through September 23, 2014, the Sheriff’s Office maintained a command law enforcement presence near the fire. The long dry summer combined with hot temperatures, winds and a very dry fuel source made the fire very volatile and unpredictable. On September 19, the Sheriff’s Office was requested to begin preparing the local residents for possible evacuations and provide road closures. There was continuous access allowed for residents and fire personnel. The Sheriff’s Office was requested to close Scoggins Valley Park and Henry Hagg Lake for fire fighting base camp operations and to ensure their was no interference with water retrieval efforts. On September 19 at about 5:00 p.m., the fire was upgraded and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was requested to provide evacuation notices to residents on SW Stepien Road. There were 49 homes evacuated due to the rapidly spreading fire and the high potential for loss of property and life. Nearly 70 other homes on surrounding roads were placed on alert for possible evacuation. At 4:00 p.m., September 21, 2014, as the fire was being partially controlled, the Sheriff’s Office was advised it was safe for residents to return home. Sheriff’s Deputies began contacting all of the evacuated residents informing them it was deemed safe to return home. Sheriff’s Office personnel maintained an around the clock security presence to secure the area since the fire began. The Sheriff’s Office set up their Mobile Command Vehicle for the first three days. As the fire was controlled, the Sheriff’s Office security demands were reduced. The deputies presence was scaled back to meet the immediate needs. Tonight, the fire is 100% contained and the last of the fire crews will be vacated from the park. Tomorrow morning, September 24, at 5:30 a.m., Scoggins Valley Park, the lake and both boat ramps will be open to the public with no restrictions. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Scoggins Valley Park, Gaston Fire Department, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue and the many additional regional and state agencies that contributed, seemingly tirelessly, to bringing this fire to a rapid and safe resolution. LND
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 00:02:55 +0000
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