Lunsbury Fire Near Glendale Reaches 85 Percent Mop-Up
Firefighters have the Lunsbury Fire near Glendale at 85% mop-up after the wind-driven slash fire grew to 11.9 acres. DFPA says no homes were threatened, contracted crews have been released, and the cause remains under investigation.
GLENDALE, Ore. — Firefighters have made significant progress on the Lunsbury Fire, a wind-driven slash fire that started Friday northwest of Glendale and moved into nearby timber.
The fire was reported at about 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, roughly two miles northwest of Glendale near McCullough Creek Road. Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and Glendale Fire Department responded after a smoke column was reported in the area.
When firefighters arrived, they found an estimated 7-acre fire moving quickly through slash and into the timberline. A separate spot fire, estimated at about three-quarters of an acre, was also found nearby.
DFPA said crews launched an aggressive initial attack, using five engines, two dozers, one water tender, overhead command staff, and additional personnel and equipment from Glendale Fire. More district and contracted resources were ordered and arrived through the night and into the next morning.
Firefighters continued heavy mop-up operations throughout the weekend. Crews also used infrared technology each night to locate and extinguish remaining heat sources.
According to DFPA, mop-up on the confirmed 1.9-acre spot fire is now 100 percent complete. The main fire, which totaled 11.9 acres, is now at 85 percent mop-up.
Contracted crews assigned to the fire have been released, but DFPA resources will remain on scene for several more days. Limited smoke may still be visible in the area.
No homes or structures were threatened during the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
DFPA said that even though fire season has not yet been declared, warming temperatures and dry fuels from ongoing drought conditions have increased fire danger across southwest Oregon. The agency is reminding people to use extreme caution while working or recreating in forested areas.
Anyone cutting firewood should make sure chainsaws have a working spark arrestor and should carry a shovel and fire extinguisher. DFPA also reminds people not to park vehicles in dry grass and to fully extinguish campfires until they are cold to the touch before leaving.
The agency said this will be the only official update released on the Lunsbury Fire because of the progress made during mop-up.
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