Shed Camp Fire Stopped Southeast Of Tiller As DFPA Urges Holiday Weekend Fire Safety

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Firefighters stopped a small wildfire southeast of Tiller on Wednesday after the Douglas Forest Protective Association’s camera detection center spotted smoke in the area.

DFPA said the Shed Camp Fire was reported at about noon Wednesday, May 20, roughly 11 miles southeast of Tiller. Wildland firefighters from DFPA and the Umpqua National Forest’s Tiller Ranger District responded to the fire, which was burning in an inactive industrial slash unit.

Crews arrived to find the fire estimated at about 2 acres. DFPA said no homes or structures were threatened.

Firefighters moved quickly on the initial attack and stopped the fire’s forward spread. With help from a DFPA dozer, crews were able to fully line and plumb the fire. Returning crews were expected to continue mop-up work Thursday until the fire is fully completed.

DFPA said limited smoke may still be visible in the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The agency said this will be the only release for the incident.

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, DFPA is also reminding residents and visitors to use caution outdoors as warmer temperatures, dry conditions and increasing fire danger continue across the Douglas District.

Neighboring ODF Southwest districts in Josephine and Jackson counties are already in fire season, and DFPA said fire season in the Douglas District is expected to begin soon. Officials said one small spark can start a wildfire, especially as people head out camping, towing trailers, using outdoor equipment or gathering for backyard barbecues.

DFPA is urging people to:

• Fully extinguish campfires until they are cold to the touch.
• Never park or drive over dry grass.
• Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks.
• Keep water and tools nearby when using equipment outdoors.
• Check current fire restrictions before heading out and know before you go.
• Check old debris piles for heat, since they can reignite during warm or windy conditions.

Residents are also encouraged to stop debris burning and begin covering prepared piles now for safer burning later in the year. DFPA said covering piles before fall rains arrive helps keep material dry, making for cleaner and more efficient burning once fire season is over and conditions improve.

Debris piles burned before fire season can reignite during the warmer and drier summer months if they are not fully extinguished. DFPA recommends using a tarp or plastic sheeting to securely cover piles while leaving the sides partially open for airflow when possible.

Debris burning should only resume after fire season restrictions are lifted, fire danger levels drop and rainfall returns to the area. Residents should always check current regulations and burn requirements before lighting any debris pile.

DFPA said taking simple precautions now can help reduce wildfire risk and protect forests, firefighters and communities throughout the holiday weekend.