Dejavu can be a terrible feeling, especially when it comes to fire but thankfully crews were able to get a pretty quick handle on a blaze that flared up in the Fruitland area on Sunday. The ‘6400 Fire’ started around noon on the south side of Highway 40 and unfortunately a house burned down, one was damaged, and several sheds and outbuildings were lost. Thankfully, no loss of life or injury has been reported. Crews from Fruitland Fire responded with assistance from the forest service, state, and county. As of Sunday at 7pm the area affected was estimated at 225 acres. According to fire PIO Mike Eriksson, the wind wasn’t helping things but there were some fortunate circumstances that made a huge difference in keeping the fire from spreading like the Dollar Ridge Fire. “Some of the local firefighters were at their church service when the call came in and they stepped out to see the fire right there. They literally ran down to the station and got equipment to get after it really fast,” shares Eriksson. “The fire threatened to jump 40 a couple spots but they were able to keep it to one side.” Another thing that made a positive difference were the agricultural fields that had been irrigated and helped stop the fire, specifically on the east side. Highway 40 was closed down for about an hour and a half and several homes were evacuated but by 6:00 the evacuation was lifted. A crew is expected to arrive Monday morning and will spend a few days mopping up and securing the line. Eriksson says the situation could have turned out much worse and it is important for all to take fire safety seriously. The fire was human caused, likely from a vehicle possibly dragging something and sparking the dry grass. “The long term forecast is saying hot and dry for the next 4 weeks,” continues Eriksson. “ If you are doing anything that might start a fire think twice and then think again. Be safe and try not to do anything that could cause a fire. Just be safe!”
