July 25, 2019 9:15 a.m.
A wildland fire burning 1 mile south of Canyonville is now estimated to be 15 acres in size as of mid-morning on Thursday.
Kyle Reed of the Douglas Forest Protective Association said the Mile Post 97 Fire has moved into a fire scar that burned in the late 1980’s and is in an area with a significant amount of standing dead trees with a heavy brush component beneath them.
Reed said crews were limited on where they could work safely overnight due to rolling rocks and falling trees. Fire lines and hose lays were completed around about 25 percent of the fire overnight.
90 firefighters are working on the fire with additional resources headed to the area. Two helicopters are also assigned to the incident and are being used throughout the day.
Reed said a preliminary fire investigation indicted the Mile Post 97 Fire is related to an illegal campfire.
The fire is highly visible from Interstate Five. Motorists are asked to use caution when driving through the area as fire equipment and personnel are working alongside the freeway.
Reed said no homes are threatened by the fire and no evacuation orders have been issued.
Stay with News Radio 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates on the Mile Post 97 Fire.