The Lonerock Fire has burned hot and spread fast. The fire is under investigation by the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, but the cause points to humans.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office says that the cause of the Lonerock Fire is still under investigation and would not comment on leads or theories.
However, three reliable sources told The Times-Journal that the fire was started by a group of men riding four-wheelers and ATVs in high grasses outside of Lonerock on Saturday, July 13.
Three sources, which have asked to remain anonymous, said that a group of men from out of state were visiting the area and were riding on four-wheelers or on side-by-sides. Instead of staying on gravel roads, the men drove through the tall grass and a spark created the fire, the sources said..
In a matter of hours, the fire grew to 4,200 acres and was burning out of control. Within 24 hours, the Lonerock Fire had exploded to 50,000 acres.
It is unknown how quickly the men acted to call for help.
After wildfires ravaged the Columbia River Gorge in 2020, the Oregon Legislature created laws to hold people accountable for destruction of property.
Under ORS 477,092, a person can be held liable if the action or inaction constituted negligence or a higher degree of fault – or if the action or inaction caused or contributed to the cause of the wildfire or contributed to the spreading of the wildfire.
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