March 6, 2025 9:20 a.m. 

A Camas Valley man died in a house fire on Wednesday evening.

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said at 9:30 p.m. dispatchers received a report of a home on fire in the 300 block of Holmes Creek Road. O’Dell said callers were reporting that a person confined to a wheelchair was still inside the structure. Witnesses made multiple attempts to get the subject out of the home.

Firefighters from several local fire departments responded to the blaze along with deputies. Two individuals were evaluated for injuries sustained in the incident. O’Dell said firefighters were able to locate the victim inside the home. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Deputies identified the victim as 76-year-old Richard Wayne Bemiller.

The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene along with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. The investigation into the fire is ongoing.

O’Dell said this time; no further updates are expected by DCSO. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire.

In addition to the agencies already mentioned, other responders included: Camas Valley Fire Department, Tenmile Fire Department, Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, Lookingglass Fire Department, Winston Police Department, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, REACH Air Medical Services, and Douglas Electric Cooperative.