Fire expert casts doubt on Santiam Fire origin story

Fire expert casts doubt on Santiam Fire origin story

The Oregon Department of Forestry said downed power lines played no role. "That’s a pretty wild conclusion. I don’t understand it," says fire behavior scientist.

Scientist who observed Santiam Canyon Fire disputes Forestry Department’s report on cause

A fire behavior scientist who was at the front lines of the deadly 2020 Santiam Canyon Fire is challenging the conclusions of a recently released report by the Oregon Department of Forestry.The report determined that downed power lines played no role in the deadly blaze.Instead, the report concluded, it was burning embers from the Beachie Creek Fire that were blown for miles by a fierce 70 mph east wind that ignited the new fires. The fire kille…

Scientist who observed Santiam Canyon Fire disputes Forestry Department’s report on cause - The New Era

Dean Warner calls the department’s conclusion “pretty wild.”   BY JEFF MANNING Oregon Journalism Project A fire behavior scientist who was at the front lines of the deadly 2020 Santiam Canyon Fire is challenging the conclusions of a recently released report by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The report determined that downed power lines played no role in the deadly blaze. Instead, the report concluded, it was burning embers from the Beachie C…