ESF and EPD respond to three fires at Skinner Butte

At 1:03 p.m. on September 8, Eugene Springfield Fire and Eugene Police responded to the area around Skinner Butte regarding several small fires that were started. The first fire appeared to be a fire that started when a man had been cooking near the river, north of the park. ESF requested the man put the fire out. He is described as a white male, in his mid 40s, with red/blonde hair and blue eyes. An hour later, ESF advised they responded to a fire near the peak of Skinner Butte Park. The fire was located alongside the RiverPlay, Riverbank Path System and was a small bush fire that had been burning and growing for about an hour. There was no indication an accelerant had been used. While ESF was containing this fire, another fire was started near the north side of the butte. There was a burned circular area near the base of a tree. Bystanders in the area described a white male, in his 60s, with grey hair, who had been smoking a cigarette in the area. However, no one had seen him start the fire. Case 24-13327

Reminder! It is still very dry and to prevent fires please be mindful:

• Don't start cooking fires in areas that are not designated for this.
• Don't leave burning cigarette butts on areas that could start a fire.
• Avoid starting equipment near dry grass and plants, and only use gas-powered equipment early in the day.
• Keep your landscape clean, green, and lean, with plants spaced apart and watered often. Keep trees 10 feet from your home, other trees, and power lines, and trim limbs to 6 feet from the ground.
• Keep grills away from siding, deck railings, eaves, and overhanging branches. Don't store or use a grill on a porch or balcony.
• Make sure all parts of your vehicle are secure and not dragging.