Chief Scott Stanton discusses how the 2026 fire season has started early and why a sudden spike in calls does not mean there's an arsonist on the loose. He also talks about what property owners can do to reduce the fuel load around their home, business or outbuilding. Next, Stanton talks about some of the technology used to report fire data. He wraps up the conversation inviting the public to tomorrow's (Thursday) open house at Station 21 in downtown Hermiston from 3 to 6 p.m.