Douglas Forest Protective Association Responds to Five Fires Since Start of Fire Season

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Fire season is already off to an active start across the Douglas District.

Since fire season officially began, the Douglas Forest Protective Association has responded to five separate fires across the district, along with an estimated 15 illegal debris burns. Fire officials are reminding residents that debris burning is restricted during fire season and that extra caution is needed as conditions continue to dry out.

The fires ranged from small natural cover fires to a vehicle fire that spread into a hayfield, as well as a separate fire discovered near the Callahan Mountains during suppression efforts.

Five Fires Reported Across the Douglas District

Douglas Forest Protective Association crews have responded to fires near Canyonville, Myrtle Creek, Tyee and Roseburg since the beginning of fire season.

Days Creek Bridge Fire, Canyonville

The first reported fire occurred Friday, May 30, at about 6 p.m. near the Days Creek Bridge in the 10000 block of Tiller Trail Highway near Canyonville.

Crews from Douglas Forest Protective Association, Days Creek Rural Fire Department, Canyonville South Umpqua Fire District and Milo Rural Fire Protection District responded to the scene.

Firefighters arrived to find a natural cover fire burning about one-tenth of an acre. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and complete mop-up work.

Mill Fire, Myrtle Creek

On Saturday, May 31, at approximately 2:25 p.m., crews from Douglas Forest Protective Association, Central Douglas Fire and Rescue and Lookingglass Rural Fire District responded to a reported natural cover fire near the 10500 block of Old Highway 99 South in Myrtle Creek.

When firefighters arrived, they found a grass and bark mulch fire estimated at one-half acre. The fire was quickly knocked down and mopped up.

Pheasant Creek Fire, West of Tyee

On Tuesday, June 2, at about 2:46 p.m., Douglas Forest Protective Association crews were dispatched to an industrial fire approximately 6.5 miles west of Tyee.

When crews arrived, they found the fire had already been extinguished by industrial operators. The fire was estimated at one one-hundredth of an acre.

Douglas Forest Protective Association personnel assisted with mop-up operations to make sure the area was fully secured.

Longhorn Lane Fire, Roseburg

Later that same day, at approximately 4:45 p.m., crews from Douglas Forest Protective Association, Central Douglas Fire and Rescue and Lookingglass Rural Fire District were dispatched to a reported grass fire near the 600 block of Longhorn Lane in Roseburg.

Firefighters arrived to find a vehicle fully involved in flames in a hayfield. The fire spread to about one-half acre of grass before crews were able to extinguish it.

While firefighters were working the Longhorn Lane Fire, the Douglas Forest Protective Association incident commander noticed a small smoke column near the ridgeline of the nearby Callahan Mountains.

Devil’s Den Fire, Northwest of Longhorn Lane

Immediately after containing the Longhorn Lane Fire, Douglas Forest Protective Association crews responded to a confirmed fire near Callahan Road, about 1.5 miles northwest of Longhorn Lane.

The Devil’s Den Fire was estimated at one-quarter acre. Crews quickly stopped the forward spread, completed handline around the fire and had mop-up work about 95 percent finished before leaving the incident for the night.

Firefighters returned Wednesday morning to finish mop-up operations. Douglas Forest Protective Association said minimal smoke may remain visible in the area while crews complete suppression work.

Illegal Debris Burns Also Reported

In addition to the five fires, Douglas Forest Protective Association crews have responded to an estimated 15 illegal debris burns throughout the district since fire season began.

Fire officials said the number of illegal burns is an important reminder that fire season restrictions are now in place. Debris burning is restricted, and residents are urged to be careful with outdoor activities that could spark a fire.

As conditions continue to dry out and fire danger increases, fire season restrictions are intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect lives, homes, property and natural resources.

Residents are encouraged to follow current fire season regulations, use caution outdoors and report smoke or fire immediately by calling 9-1-1.