Baker City Fire Chief: Juveniles with lighter started blaze that destroyed shed

Published 10:46 am Wednesday, June 25, 2025

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A Baker City firefighter works on a fire that started in a shed on Grove Street on June 25, 2025. (Josh Dillen/Contributed Photo)

Juveniles with a lighter started a fire that destroyed a shed in Baker City Wednesday morning, June 25, Baker City Fire Chief Michael Carlson said.

The fire was reported around 10 a.m.

Debbie Hale, who lives at 1642 Valley Ave., said she was walking outside her home when she saw flames rising from the shed’s roof.

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Hale said the shed is on a property on Grove Street just north of her property. She said the shed is about 50 feet from her garage, and even closer to a shed on her property.

Hale said she and a neighbor both called 911 to report the fire, and both used garden hoses to try to douse the flames.

“The fire department, thank god for them, they got here pretty fast and did a great job,” Hale said.

Michael Carlson, Baker City fire chief, said the shed was a “total loss.” The structure contained furniture, boxes and other items, as well as a refrigerator. There was electricity to the building, and Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative turned off the power to the shed, Carlson said.

Carlson said the fire spread to a tree but was otherwise confined to the shed and the immediate area around it.

The house, at 1925 Grove St., is on a section of Grove Street that ends just north of Valley Avenue.

Carlson said nine city firefighters responded, bringing three trucks. There were no injuries.

Carlson said that because juveniles are responsible, he would not give their address. He said the person renting the home will be financially responsible for the damage.

Carlson said an Oregon State Fire Marshal will be talking with the juveniles.

 

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