Salem-News.com Springfield articles Page 3

Thieves Steal Fire Truck Used to Fight Forest Fires

The Chevrolet flatbed truck, equipped with a 500-gallon water tank, firehose reel, Honda pump and foam unit, is worth an estimated $20,000.

(SPRINGFIELD) - Because their workplace is outdoors, forest operators are accustomed to theft and vandalism. But Rod Surcamp never expected thieves to go so far as to steal his ability to fight fire.

"For whatever reason – joyriding, stripping the material - someone decided to come in and take our truck," the owner of Springfield-based Surco Log, Inc., said.

Sometime last Saturday evening, Surcamp's fire engine was stolen from Weyerhaeuser Corporation forestland southwest of Lorane in Lane County, where his company was processing logs under contract.

Several Fires Have Been Intentionally Set Near Springfield; Police Need the Public`s Help

Investigators say the alleged arsonists may have been driving a lowered red Honda Prelude.

(SPRINGFIELD) - Fire investigators are asking for the public's help in developing information related to several intentionally set fires that occurred Wednesday morning on Camp Creek Road about two miles east of Springfield.

A partial description of a vehicle seen in the area is provided to help in the joint investigation involving Oregon State Police Arson & Explosives Section, Oregon Department of Forestry and McKenzie Fire & Rescue.

On August 2nd, 2006 at approximately 4:30 AM, McKenzie Fire & Rescue responded to multiple fire set locations along Camp Creek Road east of Springfield. Fire investigators have identified four fire-set locations as well as damaged mailboxes and paper boxes.

Man Missing Since Friday Found Safe, Then Placed in Handcuffs

A Springfield man missing since Friday has been found safe near Donaca Lake in east Linn County.

(ALBANY) - Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller says search teams located 36-year-old Michael Lee Walter, who was reported missing Saturday afternoon by his family during a camping trip in a remote area approximately 60 miles east of Sweet Home.

The last time Walter had been seen by his family was approximately 6:00 PM Friday. Family members initially attempted to locate him themselves, but were unsuccessful.

A Linn County Sheriff's Office dispatcher located Walter on a road near the search area at approximately 8:15 AM Monday morning.