The fire that broke out at Skinner Butte on Monday, Aug. 18, is being investigated as an arson, according to a statement from Eugene Police. 

Several callers reported the fire, on the south side of the butte, to 911 at about 1 p.m., according to the statement, and some callers estimated the flames to be as high as 20 feet. 

Investigators now believe the fire was possibly caused by a firework. 

“One caller reported hearing a loud boom at the time of the fire, with a fizzling sound afterward,” the statement read. 

The fire grew to about two acres and sent smoke billowing over Eugene. It was extinguished by about 1:15 p.m. Crews continued mopping up through the afternoon. 

Eugene Springfield Fire Chief Mike Caven told reporters Monday he saw a freshly discarded cigarette at the scene of the fire. 

“Not saying that that is the cause of this fire, but that just highlights the fact smoking is not allowed in our parks, and discarding smoking materials this time of year can destroy things that we highly value in our community,” Caven said during a press conference.

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