June 2, 2021 4:00 a.m.

Crews with the Douglas Forest Protective Association and other agencies are battling the Mehl Creek Fire three miles southwest of Elkton.

Kyle Reed of DFPA said their crews and the Elkton Rural Fire Department responded to the fire Tuesday night at about 8:25 p.m. near Mehl Creek Road. Reed said upon arrival the fire was estimated to be 40 acres in size, burning in an area that had previously been logged. The fire was quickly spreading up a steep hillside, burning through heavy brush and residual logging slash. Reed said strong gusty winds resulted in numerous spot fires around the main body of the fire. Additional resources were requested from the Kellogg Rural Fire Department, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, Oakland Rural Fire Department and contract firefighter resources.

As of midnight, the Mehl Creek Fire was estimated to be between 150 and 200 acres in size with zero percent containment. Reed said four bulldozers are working to construct containment lines around the fire while twelve engines and five water tenders work to cool the perimeter of the fire. Additional hand crews and firefighting resources are on order to assist with the incident.

No homes are threatened by the Mehl Creek Fire, and no evacuations are in place. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.