July 20, 2024 6:40 a.m.

Crews with the Douglas Forest Protective Association and other agencies responded to a reported fast-moving grass fire near the 300 block of Michaels Ranch Lane in the Canyonville area Friday morning at approximately 11:50 a.m.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said the Riddle Fire Protection District was first on the scene and determined that several homes and structures were in the path of the estimated 3 to 5 acres, quickly spreading grass fire. Pope said the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was contacted immediately, and a LEVEL 3 evacuation was initiated for all homes located on Micheal Ranch Lane.

DFPA’s aerial resources, which included an air attack and a helicopter, arrived on the scene and quickly acted with fire suppression. Pope said thankfully the helicopter-initiated bucket drops effectively knocked down the fire’s forward spread due to the river’s proximity. A resident with a water truck and Wright Tree Service quickly acted with fire suppression and helped save nearby structures.

Pope said collaborative efforts from all responding resources eliminated the threat to homes and structures, resulting in canceled evacuation notices.

By 5:00 p.m. the fire was 100 percent lined, 30 percent plumbed, and in mop-up status. Crews remained on the scene until the area was cleared of heat and smoke.

The Micheal Ranch Lane Fire was human-caused and is under active investigation.

Other agencies responding with DFPA and the Riddle Fire Protection District, included Days Creek Rural Fire District, Milo Rural Fire Protection District, Canyonville South Umpqua Fire District, Myrtle Creek Fire Department, Tiller Rural Fire Protection District, Tri-City Rural Fire Protection District and Pacific Power.