September 215, 2024 3:40 a.m. (updated at 1:00 p.m.)

Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and several other agencies stopped a fire near the 14000 block of Elkhead Road in the Oakland area Tuesday afternoon.

Information from DFPA said the response began at approximately 2:00 p.m. Initial reports said an estimated 1 to 1.5-acre natural cover fire, called the Bachelor Fire, was moderately moving in grass and heading towards timber. Additional resources, including helicopters, were ordered.

By 3:00 p.m. significant progress had been made in establishing a line around the fire’s perimeter. A DFPA dozer was on the scene aiding in strengthening control lines, with a focus on the left flank. The estimated size of the fire from DFPA’s air attack was 2 to 2.25-acres. Firefighters quickly contained fire activity near a structure and decreased the danger.

All forward progress from the fire was knocked down by 3:30 p.m. DFPA’s dozer had completed the control line on the left flank and was continuing on the right side. Due to the significant progress made by all ground crews, air resources ordered were canceled.

By 5:00 p.m. DFPA’s dozer was released from the fire as mop up continued.

Pope said crews continued mop up into the night and returned to continue progress early Wednesday. A more accurate GPS mapped area of the Bachelor Fire is complete, showing the final size at 6.6 acres. Pope said crews will continue to work in the area for several days until 100 percent mop up status is achieved. Smoke may be visible as crews continue churning debris and extinguishing hot spots.

The cause of the Bachelor Fire remains under investigation.