Firefighters Complete Control Line Around Little Paradise Fire Near Elkton

Firefighters have completed a control line around the Little Paradise Fire after an aggressive response stopped the wind-driven blaze north of Elkton.

The fire was estimated Thursday morning at between 3 and 3.5 acres in a previously logged timber unit about four miles north of the city. Crews remained at the scene conducting mop-up work and searching for heat inside the perimeter.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association first detected the fire through its camera system at approximately 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. Firefighters and aircraft from DFPA and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Western Lane District were dispatched under a mutual-aid response.

An air attack plane arriving over the area found flames moving through logging debris under windy conditions. Embers were also being carried ahead of the main fire, creating additional spot fires and increasing the potential for the blaze to spread.

Two helicopters dropped water on active portions of the fire while ground crews surrounded the area with handline, hose and dozer line. Water tenders were brought in to maintain a supply for firefighters working on the perimeter.

The initial response included nine DFPA engines, three ODF engines, two helicopters, two firefighter squads, a bulldozer, a water tender and command personnel.

Crews worked through the night and had completed a control line around the entire fire by Thursday morning. Smoke may continue to be visible from the area for several days as firefighters extinguish remaining hot spots.

No homes or other structures were threatened. Investigators have not yet determined what started the fire.

The incident comes as fire conditions continue to dry across Douglas County. The fire danger level on DFPA-protected lands will increase to HIGH beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 11, due to rising temperatures, lower humidity and increasingly dry vegetation.