July 14, 2024 6:40 a.m. 

First responders dealt with a wildland fire in the Camas Valley area on Saturday.

Douglas Forest Protective Association Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said just before 10:30 a.m. crews from DFPA, the Coos Forest Protective Association, Tenmile Rural Fire District, Camas Valley Rural Fire District, Lookingglass Rural Fire District, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation responded to the report of a quarter of an acre grass fire along Highway 42 westbound between mile markers 58 and 59.

Pope said responding rural firefighters were first on the scene and determined that the fast-moving fire was quickly headed uphill and toward homes. Two homes were identified in the Kingsway Lane area. In coordination with DCSO, Level 3 evacuations were activated for the safety of the occupants.

Collaborative efforts from the firefighters had the fire’s forward spread knocked down quickly, eliminating all threats to nearby structures. Pope said this resulted in the removal of all evacuations that were in place. Rural firefighters were released from the scene at that point.

By just before 2:15 p.m. DFPA crews had the fire 100 percent trailed and plumbed with 30 percent mopped up. They remained on the scene until the area was cleared of heat and smoke and then turned to patrol status.

Pope said the Kingsway Lane Fire is human-caused and is under active investigation.