August 20, 2024 3:40 a.m.
Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association dealt with 6 small fires sparked by lightning storms across the Douglas District on Saturday.
Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said the first of several predicted storms began around 10:00 a.m., activating air and ground reconnaissance. Pope said firefighters responded to a total of 26 smoke investigation calls. Thanks to the rains that accompanied these storms, all fires were quickly contained. Each was estimated to be 0.001 acres in size and are now in patrol status. None of the fires posed a threat to homes or structures.
The incidents included:
*5000 Roberts Creek Road Fire near Roseburg: A single-struck tree was located. Upon DFPA’s arrival, a good Samaritan was found to be suppressing the fire.
*Lawson Bar Fire, near Myrtle Creek: A single-struck tree was located.
*Tower Fire, near Myrtle Creek: A single-struck tree was located near radio towers above milepost 108, southbound near Interstate 5. Due to the tree’s size, a contracted faller was utilized.
*Camp Creek Fire near Tiller: Crews from DFPA and Tiller Rural Fire Protection District located a single-struck tree near the 2100 block of Diamond Rock Road.
*Callahan Creek Fire near Tiller: A single-stump fire, with limited spread to surrounding grass, was located near Callahan Creek.
*Drew Creek Fire near Tiller: A single-tree strike was located near Drew Creek.
For all these fires, Pope said crews took immediate action, trailed and mopped up the area.
Pope said ground, aerial, and camera detection continued through Sunday, and no new fire starts were found. Heat and smoke checks on all identified fires will continue for three consecutive checks. If heat and smoke is found, the heat will be extinguished, and the count will restart. Each fire will be considered officially contained once three consecutive days of no heat or smoke is found.
Pope said crews will continue to monitor for sleeper starts. Any smoke sightings should be reported to 911, or directly to DFPA at 672-6507.