March 8, 2022 4:10 a.m.

Firefighters have stopped the forward spread of an escaped debris burn at a half-acre northwest of Gold Hill.

Natalie Weber of the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District said ODF crews along with local firefighters responded to the fire at about 4:15 p.m. Monday. Weber said crews were able to quickly line the fire and had mop-up operations nearly complete by early Monday evening.

The fire, in the 1300 block of Sardine Creek Road, was reported by the landowner. It was caused by a debris burn pile that escaped and started to move uphill following a change in wind direction. Weber said the landowner had a water source at the ready and tried to stop the fire. However, due to the dryness of the vegetation, the wind and typography, it spread beyond control. The landowner called 911 to report it, and then used their excavator to begin lining the fire. Weber said when firefighters arrived, they were able to build on that work and quickly stop the forward spread of the fire.

More information about debris burns are available at www.swofire.com