DFPA Reports Three Douglas County Fires on April 9, Warns of Dry Early Season Conditions
DFPA crews responded to three Douglas County fires on April 9, including the Baby Bear Fire near Roseburg, the Tyee Road Fire near Umpqua, and the Morgan Creek Fire near Myrtle Creek. Officials also warned that dry early season conditions are increasing wildfire risk.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Douglas Forest Protective Association reported three separate fires in Douglas County on Thursday, April 9, including incidents near Umpqua, Roseburg, and Myrtle Creek.
Officials said cooler temperatures and precipitation helped firefighters on at least one of the incidents, but they also warned that southwest Oregon is already seeing drier-than-normal brush because of drought conditions.
The fires reported Thursday included:
- Tyee Road Fire - Umpqua: Firefighters were dispatched around 1:30 p.m. near the 8000 block of Tyee Road after a natural cover fire was reported. Kellogg Rural Fire Department was first to respond, finding a fire burning uphill in steep terrain. DFPA crews arrived shortly after 2:10 p.m., took command, and confirmed the fire at 1.8 acres. Officials said the fire was fully trailed, plumbed, and mopped up before being returned to the landowner.
- Baby Bear Fire - Roseburg: At about 2:23 p.m., DFPA and private landowner resources responded to a 15- to 20-acre fire near Bear Creek Road in Roseburg. According to officials, most of the fire was contained within an active industrial operation area and did not spread into nearby timber stands. Additional assistance was requested from the Coos Forest Protective Association. Crews were able to complete fire line around about 60% of the perimeter before stopping work for the night, and firefighters returned Friday to continue working toward full containment.
- Morgan Creek Fire - Myrtle Creek: DFPA crews responded at about 3:21 p.m. near Morgan Creek and Gazley roads after a lightning-struck tree sparked a small fire. Firefighters found the blaze at about one-tenth of an acre and quickly extinguished and contained it.
Along with the incident update, DFPA urged residents to use caution with debris burning as fire conditions begin developing earlier than usual this spring.
DFPA’s safety reminders include:
- Burning logging slash is allowed by permit only.
- Burn only when weather conditions are safe.
- Clear flammable material away from burn piles.
- Keep water and tools nearby.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Make sure ashes are fully extinguished and cold before leaving.
Officials said even smaller burns can escape quickly under dry conditions and urged residents to take extra precautions to help prevent wildfires.
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