Lincoln City Police ask for help amid series of 'intentionally set' wildfires

Lincoln City Police are asking for help after several "intentionally set" fires have burned in the Agnes Creek Open Space recreation area just inland from the beach.

Police said that over the past few weeks, fire crews have responded to "several fires that started in local wooded areas" and in and near Agnes Creek Open Space.

"Officers, firefighters, and citizens have worked together to put out these fires, which could have threatened residences in the area," a news release said.

The open space is in central Lincoln City and features a 1.5 miles trail through western hemlock, Sitka spruce and open forest lands.

Police said they've collected evidence from the fires which are being analyzed at the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.

"However, LCPD is reaching out to the public to request that anyone with any information about these fires come forward," the news release said. "These are clearly intentionally set, human-started fires. These are not accidental camping or cooking fires.

"The Echo Mountain fires remain fresh in the minds of the people who lived through them and we wish to prevent any further disasters in our area."

Anyone with information can contact Lincoln City Police at 541-994-3636.

"We understand that hikers, nature-enjoyers, and others frequent this area to enjoy the natural beauty, but any information about people intentionally lighting fires would be greatly appreciated," the release said.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Lincoln City Police ask for help after 'intentionally set' wildfires