A fast-moving brush fire threatened a Crooked River Ranch home on the Fourth of July before firefighters contained it to less than half an acre, officials said.

Crews were dispatched around 2:02 p.m. Saturday to the 14800 block of Southwest Peninsula Drive, where the first arriving engine found about a quarter-acre of brush burning and being pushed by winds toward a residence and several sheds. Firefighters deployed hose lines to protect the structures and quickly knocked down flames near the home before working across the property to extinguish the remaining fire.

The blaze was ultimately held to approximately 0.35 acres. The home sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported.

Goats Helped Slow the Spread

Officials credited an unusual factor with limiting the damage: the homeowner had used goats to graze down grass and shrubs across a large portion of the property prior to the fire. That reduced vegetation slowed the fire's advance and aided crews in keeping it contained to the property of origin.

Six engines, one tender and one support unit responded, with a total of 17 personnel — seven career and ten volunteer firefighters. Mutual aid assistance was provided by Redmond Fire & Rescue. Crews remained on scene for about two hours, including mop-up operations.

Cause: Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials

Investigators determined the fire was likely caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials. Fire officials are reminding all residents to discard smoking materials only in a metal container filled with sand or water — never in grass, brush, or standard trash cans.

The Peninsula Fire is a reminder that Central Oregon's fire season is very much underway. Jefferson County has been under summer burn restrictions since early May, with all open burning currently prohibited.

Fire Safety Reminders

  • Discard smoking materials in a metal container filled with sand or water
  • Never throw cigarette butts from vehicles — roadside ignitions are a leading cause of wildfires
  • Keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby during any outdoor activities near dry vegetation
  • Report any smoke or unattended fire immediately by calling 911

For current fire restriction information across Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org or call the fire info line at 541-316-7711.