June 21, 2025 7:30 a.m.

Friday at around 4:30 p.m., crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and other agencies responded to a natural cover fire just off the Interstate Five Clarks Branch Road exit at milepost 113 northbound.

DFPA Acting Public Information Officer Nic Freeman said the fire was estimated to be one quarter to one half acre and was burning in a grass field. Freeman said because of the fire intensity, location and rate of spread, the Mile Post 113 Fire was caught at 3 acres. The fire was burning near structures, so area residents were informed, but no structures were threatened or damaged.

Freeman said the fire caused some equipment to catch on fire which the rural departments assisted in extinguishing. DFPA has the fire perimeter wet lined and will continue operational engagement until the fire is 100 percent contained.

DFPA responded with 8 engines and fire supervision. They are in command of the Mile Post 113 Fire and will be working until it is 100 percent mopped up. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

DFPA was assisted by firefighters from the Canyonville South Umpqua Fire Department, Riddle Fire Protection District, Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, Myrtle Creek Fire Department, and the Tri City Rural Fire Protection District. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police also assisted at the scene.

Freeman said despite the rain received on Friday fire season is still in effect in the Douglas District. Debris burning is prohibited throughout Douglas County. For complete fire season information, go to: www.dfpa.net