January 18, 2025 7:00 a.m. 

On Saturday, January 11th, firefighters with the Douglas County Task Force working at the Palisades Fire in southern California were looking for hot spots in an area inaccessible for fire engines, and damaged by the fire.

Battalion Chief Mitch Doss of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue said firefighters heard people near a home. Doss said when they went to check, the firefighters found two older adults who had been injured and without food, water or communication for several days. The two firefighters coordinated an ambulance and worked with another strike team in the area, to get the pair down to the waiting ambulance. Doss said the firefighters called the pair’s family to let them know that they were safe and had stayed at their home to put out hotspots nearby.

The Douglas County Task includes members from CDF&R, Roseburg Fire Department, Riddle Fire Department, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, and Sutherlin Fire Department. Doss said he is proud to see the local members making a difference during these challenging times in southern California.