August 27, 2022 2:30 p.m. 

Local firefighters were deployed Saturday morning to Merlin, to help battle the growing Rum Creek Fire.

Battalion Chief Scott Richardson of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 said the task force was requested by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office under the Emergency Conflagration Act to assist with structural protection in the area.

Richardson said thirteen firefighters, five fire apparatus, and various support vehicles arrived in Merlin Saturday afternoon. The group is led by District No. 2 Battalion Chief Mark Hernandez and is also made up of personnel from Sutherlin Fire Department, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, and Riddle Fire Protection District.

Richardson said it is not known how long the task force will be deployed, but they may be utilized for up to fourteen days to assist the OSFN as needed.