July 10, 2023 4:00 a.m.

Crews with the Douglas Forest Protective Association along with firefighters from agencies in Canyonville, Riddle, Azalea, and Tri-City dealt with a vehicle fire next to the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in the Azalea area Sunday evening.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said the fire was reported at about 5:30 p.m. Pope said multiple spot fires occurred but thanks to an aggressive initial attack by all responders, including DFPA’s air attack, flames were knocked down quickly. Dozer and handline were in place with crews in mop up as of late Sunday evening.

Pope said the southbound lanes of the freeway were closed while crews dealt with the fires.