A glance at various fire-related issues this past week:
On Aug. 1, at about 2:30 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a woman attempting to light a field on fire in the 39100 block of Camp Creek Road, Springfield. A witness observed the suspect, Samantha Dawn Weekly, 34, of Eugene, lighting grass on fire. She left when confronted by a witness, who then extinguished the fire. She was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Arson in the 1st Degree.
On July 29, the Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded to two back-to-back brush fires in Springfield. The first fire, reported just after 2 p.m. near Glenwood Blvd and Henderson Ave, spread over about half an acre and closed Glenwood Blvd for about an hour. Fire crews reportedly managed to contain several spot fires caused by windy conditions. This fire is under investigation.
About ten minutes later, a second fire ignited at 42nd and Industrial Way, also covering around half an acre. Firefighters said they faced challenges with the fast-moving flames due to dry, windy conditions. Assistance came from Lane Forest Products, which provided a water truck and heavy equipment. Fire crews were stretched thin, utilizing one engine from the Thurston station and additional support from South, West, and Downtown Eugene. This fire is reportedly believed to have been caused by fireworks, although the cause remains under investigation.
On July 28, Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a house fire in the 500 block of 17th St in Springfield. Firefighters were called around 10:40 a.m. to reports of smoke from the roof of a home. Officials said a fire engine arrived four minutes after the call and found fire in the garage that extended to the attic. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, and there were no injuries. The cause is under investigation.
On July 23, Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a house fire on S. 55th St in East Springfield just before 10 p.m.. Firefighters found heavy black smoke and reports of potential victims inside. They rescued two residents, who were transported to RiverBend — one in critical condition and the other serious. The fire was contained to one room, and the cause is under investigation. This incident marks the second house fire of the day for ESF crews and the second with rescues in the same neighborhood in the past three weeks
