July 21, 2025 1:30 p.m. 

Sunday afternoon, crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and other agencies responded to a reported vehicle fire on Highway 38 near mile marker 31 in the Elkton area.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said firefighters arrived shortly after 12:10 p.m. to find a quarter acre brush and timber fire, in steep terrain. Pope said slope-driven fire activity triggered an immediate, aggressive initial attack from fire crews. Ground and aerial resources were able to quickly knock down the heat, allowing highway traffic to resume safely after an estimated 20-minute shutdown.

As of Monday afternoon, the fire remained staffed by DFPA crews, who completed 55 percent of the mop up of the now confirmed 1 acre fire. Pope said minimal smoke may be visible in the area as crews continue to eradicate hot spots.

The cause of the fire is vehicle related.

DFPA was assisted by the Coos Forest Protective Association, Elkton Rural Fire Protection District, Scottsburg Rural Fire District, Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

For more information about current and industrial regulations that are in place for the Douglas District, go to www.dfpa.net