Eugene firefighters battle three suspicious brush fires in early morning hours along East Bank Bike Path

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a series of suspicious brush fires early Monday morning, with three separate incidents occurring along a one-mile stretch of the East Bank Bike Path between midnight and 3 a.m.

The first fire was reported just before 1 a.m. near Goodpasture Island Road. Firefighters from the Valley River Station, including Brush 9 and Engine 9, were dispatched and quickly brought the fire under control.

Roughly an hour later, at approximately 2 a.m., multiple callers reported a larger brush fire west of Marist High School.

The fire, located along the bike path, had spread through a 100-by-50-foot area of dense vegetation along the Willamette River bank. Brush 9 was the only unit able to access the area due to its location.

While en route to the second blaze, Battalion 1 identified a third fire about a quarter mile north of the Marist scene. This additional fire covered an area roughly 30 by 50 feet.

In total, the response involved three engines, two type 6 brush trucks, a battalion chief, a utility ATV, two deputy fire marshals, and Eugene Police.

Crews conducted extensive mop-up operations following containment. The cause of the fires is considered suspicious and remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of arson.

Officials are urging anyone with information about the fires to contact local law enforcement or the Fire Marshal’s Office.