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Brush Fire In Area Homeless Encampment

    A brush fire in a homeless encampment last Thursday, March 7, was controlled before area homes or businesses were at risk.  The fire was located in a wooded area along SR 19 just south of a Dollar General Store and the Lake Smith Road intersection.
    Smoke from the fire was first reported by a passing vehicle on SR 19, around 1:30 p.m.  Responding police first used a fire extinguisher in an attempt to control the fire, but the situation wasn't fully brought under control until after the Umatilla Fire Department arrived on the scene and deployed both water and foam to extinguish the flames.
    The heavily wooded area is strewn with clothing and miscellaneous household items.  An apparent camping area for the homeless, there was no one present at the time of the fire.  It is unknown what caused the approximately 1/8 acre fire.