Gearhart firefighters responded Aug. 31 to a grass fire started by burning debris near the Little Beach shoreline.

Crews had the call under control around 12:30 a.m., Gearhart Fire Division Chief James Hutchinson said, but with a south-southeast wind combined with extended dry weather, the fire picked up.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m., a second alarm at the same location brought units from Seaside, Warrenton, Lewis and Clark, Cannon Beach, Hamlet, Astoria and Knappa fire departments, along with the Oregon Department of Forestry. The fire grew from about 20 feet by 50 feet to an estimated 50 feet by 400 feet.

Using the Wellington Beach trail for access, firefighters removed some trees and shrubbery to ensure safe turnarounds and an escape route if needed. Crews used 1,500 feet of hose to put out the fire.

During fire season, debris and pile burning is prohibited as well as the burning of driftwood, Hutchinson said.

According to John Dudley, a Little Beach resident, the fire pushed to the edge of thick groves of shore pines.

“That’s where the firefighters stood their ground and apparently won their battle,” Dudley said.