July 9, 2026 10:50 a.m. 

Crews with the Douglas Forest Protective Association responded to a fire just over 3.5 miles north of Elkton late Wednesday afternoon.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said at about 5:30 p.m. their camera detection center identified a smoke column in that area. Pope said ground and aerial resources from DFPA and Oregon Department of Forestry Western Lane were immediately dispatched as part of a mutual aid response.

DFPA’s fixed-wing air-attack aircraft arrived first on scene and reported a moderately moving, wind-driven slash fire in a previously logged unit. It was named the Little Paradise Fire. Strong winds caused spotting ahead of the main fire, prompting an aggressive initial attack by both aerial and ground resources.

Pope said two helicopters, including an ODF severity helicopter, conducted water bucket drops to slow the fire’s forward spread and cool areas of active fire while firefighters on the ground constructed handline, established a progressive hose lay, and secured a water supply with water tenders. Dozers were utilized to construct a control line around the fire perimeter.

Pope said a total of 9 DFPA engines, DFPA’s fixed-wing air attack aircraft, two helicopters, two squads, one dozer, one water tender, overhead command staff, and three ODF engines were utilized during the initial attack.

Firefighters continued suppression efforts throughout the night, completing 100 percent control line around the fire perimeter. As of midday on Thursday, crews were focused on mop-up operations within the estimated 3 to 3.5-acre fire area. Smoke may remain visible as crews continue to extinguish hot spots for several more days.

No homes or structures were threatened during the incident. The cause of the Little Paradise Fire is under investigation.