May 6, 2021 4:20 a.m.

Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, and rural fire departments in Glendale and Azalea responded to the report of a natural cover fire Tuesday afternoon, located approximately 2 miles northwest of Glendale, near Mt. Reuben Road.

Kyle Reed of the DFPA said firefighters arrived at the fire at around 3:45 p.m. and reported that it was about three quarters of an acre in size. Within thirty minutes crews stopped the forward spread of the fire at one acre. No structures were threatened by the fire. Firefighters remained on the scene for about two hours to secure the perimeter of the fire.

Reed said a preliminary investigation revealed that the Mt. Reuben Fire was a result of an escaped debris burn. Despite fire restrictions not being in effect at this time, residents are reminded to use caution with burning yard debris due to unseasonably dry vegetation. Reed said those who choose to burn yard debris should create a fire trail around the pile before ignition begins, have fire tools and water on site, stay with the burn while it takes place, and fully extinguish the debris pile before leaving the area. Residents who have burned earlier this spring are encouraged to check their previously burned piles to ensure they are fully extinguished.