Portland Fire was dispatched to "smoke in the area" at 3:56 am in the vicinity of 97Th and Powell, on the east side of Highway 205. Engine 7(Mill Park) arrived to a brush fire (approximately 100' x 300') and quickly called for reinforcements. Fire Station 29 (Gilbert) houses an Engine and a Brush Unit assisted in suppressing the fire. The location of the fire and the lack of a nearby fire hydrant made if difficult to reach, fire crews had to shuttle back and forth to maintain an adequate water supply.

Fire Investigators say that the fire was most likely started by a transient warming/cooking fire. No one was around when fire crews arrived.

The National Weather Service is forecasting very dry, unstable air moving into the region which caused them to issue a Fire Weather Watch yesterday morning. In preparations for these conditions, Portland Fire & Rescue is planning to up-staff four brush units during peak hours (8am to 8pm) today.

In addition, all outdoor burning including recreational fires are prohibited within the city of Portland beginning as of August 16Th. This ban is based on weather conditions and community fire safety needs and will remain in effect until weather and fire danger conditions improve. Cooking outdoors in approved propane or charcoal barbecues is allowed during this total burning ban.