April 13, 2021 4:00 p.m.

Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, Douglas County Fire District No. 2 and the Glide Rural Fire Department suppressed a six-acre fire Monday afternoon, that was determined to be caused by an escaped debris burn.

Kyle Reed of DFPA said crews responded to the fire, 2 miles southeast of Roseburg on Dawson Road, at around 3:30 p.m. Reed said the fire was spreading up a hillside, burning through grass, brush and snow damaged vegetation. Crews remained on the scene until about 7:00 p.m. to secure the perimeter of the fire. The Dawson Road Fire destroyed a bulldozer that belonged to the landowner, but no homes were threatened by the blaze.

Reed said “Although everything looks green right now, its is actually much dryer than what it appears”. He said the prolonged warm, dry and windy conditions have caused an increased fire risk throughout the county for this time of year.

A release from DFPA said while open burning is not restricted at this time, fire officials are asking Douglas County residents to refrain from unnecessary debris burning until fire conditions improve. Anyone who has recently burned debris piles or have had recreational fires, such as campfires, cooking fires or warming fires, should check the area to ensure they were properly extinguished. If heat or smoke is detected, apply water to the ashes and stir them with a shovel. Continue this process until there is no longer any heat or smoke detected and the area is cool to the touch.