July 30, 2020 4:00 a.m.

Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, North Douglas County Fire and EMS, and the Elkton Rural Fire Department responded to the Highway 38 Fire, six miles west of Drain, on Wednesday afternoon.

Kyle Reed of DFPA said firefighters arrived at the natural cover fire just after 1:00 p.m. and reported that it was moving fast, estimated to be 1.5 acres in size, and spreading up a steep hillside. Reed said three helicopters were used to slow the forward spread of the fire while a bulldozer and numerous engine crews worked to construct fire line and install hose lays around the blaze.

Reed said at 4:30 p.m. the incident commander for the Highway 38 Fire reported that dozer line had been completed around the majority of the fire and hand crews would be working to construct fire line around the untrailed portion of the fire. By 7:00 p.m. fire line was completed around the perimeter of the fire and hose lays were plumed. Reed said the fire was stopped at three acres. Crews remained on the scene overnight mopping up hot spots and securing control lines.

A preliminary fire investigation indicated that a downed power line ignited the Highway 38 Fire. A one mile stretch of Highway 38 was closed in both directions of travel for about three and a half hours. One lane of traffic was reopened with pilot cars at 4:30 p.m.

Firefighters were assisted by staff from the Oregon Department of Transportation and Douglas Electric.