June 3, 2025 11:10 a.m.  

A grass fire on Monday sparked concern northwest of Roseburg.

Battalion Chief Ryan Felker of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue said crews responded to the fire at approximately 1:45 p.m. in the 5000 block of Garden Valley Road. Felker said first arriving units reported a fast-moving grass fire that was approximately 2 acres in size. A smoke column was seen as far as 3 miles from the incident. Forward progress was stopped at approximately 6.5 acres.

Felker said, “Wind was a driving factor intensifying the fire behavior and rapid spread of this incident. Winds were pushing the fire from the north spreading the fire southwest”. Felker said the fire serves as a good reminder to be prepared for the unexpected when operating powered equipment in dry/cured vegetation.

The CDF&R release said mutual aid agreements aided in the response and timely mitigation of this incident. Felker said, “These intergovernmental agreements aid in bolstering emergency response and held true today. Blurring jurisdictional boundaries to provide an efficient emergency response system is effective, and best for all citizens of Douglas County”.

CDF&R was assisted by the City of Roseburg Fire Department and the Douglas Forest Protective Association. Felker said being prepared, having a plan, and knowing the fire danger levels/restrictions are crucial to the prevention of human caused fires.