July 29, 2023 1:45 p.m. 

Saturday crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association along rural departments in Tiller, Days Creek, and Milo, and the Umpqua National Forest-Tiller Ranger District, responded to an estimated two and a half acre brush, grass and timber fire located near milepost thirty-six on the Tiller Trail Highway in Drew, just over eight miles southeast of Tiller.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said an aggressive initial attack was immediately activated on the Elk Creek Fire by all responding firefighters. Pope said DFPA resources included nine engines, four squads, one dozer, two helicopters, and DFPA’s fixed-wing air attack.

By mid-morning, the forward spread of the fire was knocked down. One hundred percent of the fire was plumbed and thirty-percent was hand-lined. Aviation resources were released from the fire, with all ground crews continuing active engagement. Minimal smoke will emit from this fire as mop-up proceeds over the next several days.

Pope said that heavy drift smoke throughout the county continues to derive from the Bedrock Fire to the northeast and the Flat Fire to the southwest.

The public is asked to avoid unnecessary vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area and be aware of road closure delays.

No homes or structures were threatened by the Elk Creek Fire. Fire danger remains high in the Douglas District. Complete fire season information is at: www.dfpa.net.