Ontario Fire & Rescue Press Release
At approximately 3:12 PM, on September 16, 2025, Ontario Fire & Rescue (OFR) was dispatched for a vegetation fire near Interstate 84, mile post 375. Ontario Rescue 1, Command 105, and Tender 158 responded to the area to find a fire burning in the brush and trees, east of I-84, at mile post 375.5, between the freeway and the Snake River. A general page was activated to call in off-duty OFR personnel. The Oregon Department of Transportation was requested for traffic control. One west-bound lane of I-84 was closed during the operation. Mutual aid resources were requested from Fruitland, Payette, Nyssa, New Plymouth, and Parma. Fire crews worked for more than seven hours to contain the (approximately four-acre) fire that was burning in grass, timber, and timber litter. Several unhoused camps were in the area but were kept safe and undamaged. There were no injuries reported.
Large stumps within the fire’s perimeter will continue to smolder for several days.
In total, eight brush engines, three water tenders, three support vehicles, and one ambulance took part in the operation – staffed with thirty-one firefighters, two medics, and several Oregon Department of Transportation personnel. Food and drinks were provided to the firefighters by members of the Ontario Volunteer Firefighters Association.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
