DFPA Crews Respond To Several Weekend Fires As Fire Restrictions Take Effect

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — Fire crews with the Douglas Forest Protective Association responded to several fires across the Douglas District over the weekend, including a natural cover fire near Sutherlin that briefly prompted a Level 1 evacuation notice.

The fires came as fire season restrictions increased across DFPA-protected lands. Fire danger moved to MODERATE on Saturday, June 13, and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels increased to Level 2 on Monday, June 15.

DFPA said crews also responded to multiple illegal debris burns during the weekend. Citations were issued for violations of fire season regulations.

Open burning, including debris burning, is prohibited during fire season. Officials are reminding residents that warmer and drier conditions can quickly turn a small spark into a wildfire.

Cooper Fire Near Sutherlin

The largest of the weekend incidents was the Cooper Fire, reported Sunday, June 14, at about 1:25 p.m. roughly one mile west of Cooper Creek Reservoir.

Crews from DFPA, Sutherlin Fire Department, Oakland Rural Fire Protection District, Fair Oaks Rural Fire Protection District, Sutherlin Police Department, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded.

Because of the fire’s location near homes and the conditions at the time, a Level 1 evacuation notice was issued for homes near 550 South State Street in Sutherlin. That notice was later lifted after firefighters stopped the forward spread of the fire.

When crews arrived, they found a 1.3-acre natural cover fire burning uphill in steep terrain. Firefighters used an aggressive initial attack to keep the fire from spreading.

DFPA said resources assigned to the fire included four Type 6 engines, two Type 3 engines, command staff, a dozer, and air attack resources.

By 10:25 p.m. Sunday, crews had completed about 90 percent of mop-up work, and no visible smoke remained.

DFPA crews were expected to continue mop-up operations Monday before moving the fire into patrol status. Officials said three consecutive heat checks will be completed before the fire is considered fully contained.

The cause of the Cooper Fire remains under investigation.

Old Booth Fire Near Myrtle Creek

Crews also responded Sunday evening to a fire near the 1100 block of Booth Ranch Road in Myrtle Creek.

The fire was reported at about 5:10 p.m. after a fallen tree branch contacted power lines and ignited a nearby tree.

DFPA, Myrtle Creek Fire Department, and Tri City Rural Fire Protection District responded. Power was temporarily shut off in the area while firefighters worked, in coordination with the local electric utility provider.

The tree fire was extinguished before it could spread into nearby vegetation.

Jack Creek Fire Near Drain

Later Sunday evening, at about 7:15 p.m., DFPA and North Douglas Fire responded to a natural cover fire near the 400 block of Jack Creek Road in Drain.

North Douglas Fire crews had already extinguished the 0.10-acre fire by the time DFPA personnel arrived. DFPA assisted with mop-up work and began a cause investigation.

The cause remains under investigation.

Reminder: Drones Can Ground Firefighting Aircraft

DFPA is also reminding the public not to fly drones near wildfires.

Unauthorized drones in wildfire areas can force firefighting aircraft to remain grounded because of the risk of a collision. Officials say even a short delay in aerial operations can put firefighters, residents, homes, and other property at greater risk.

Interfering with firefighting operations on public lands is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison. The Federal Aviation Administration may also issue civil penalties of up to $75,000 when drone operators interfere with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations during Temporary Flight Restrictions.

DFPA is asking residents and visitors to follow all current fire season restrictions and to report smoke or suspicious fire activity by calling 911.