August 1, 2025 11:30 a.m.
The Milepost 124 Mt. Nebo Fire is listed at 50 acres as mop up continues.
A joint release from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and the Roseburg Fire Department said at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, crews from both agencies along with Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Roseburg Police Department, the Oregon Department of Transportation and Pacific Power responded to a fire on the hillside near Interstate 5, Milepost 124 southbound. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a wind-driven, rapidly spreading dry vegetation fire alongside burning railroad ties on the hillside of Mt. Nebo.
For firefighter safety, power was shut off to the area overnight and was restored just before 7:30 a.m. Friday. Aerial operations were intermittently grounded during the initial firefighting efforts due to the unauthorized use of drones within the active fire zone, which posed a significant threat to firefighters.
As of 5:30 a.m. Friday the fire was 100 percent lined, 100 percent plumbed, and 40 percent mopped up. The fire poses no threat to structures or homes. The cause of the fire is under active investigation.
Resources from RFD including eight firefighters, two chief officers, two Type 6 wildland fire engines, three Type 1 fire engines and two incident command vehicles. In addition, CDF&R provided incident command staff. Resources from DFPA included thirty-five firefighters, three Type 3 engines, six Type 6 engines, overhead personnel, one Type 2 helicopter and air attack.
Command of the fire was transferred from RFD to DFPA at 10:00 p.m. Thursday. DFPA crews will continue mop-up progress on the fire for several days. Motorists should use caution while driving in the area, as firefighters continue their efforts. Smoke will continue to be visible in the area as crews work to fully extinguish the fire and railroad ties burn out.
Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman said, “We are deeply grateful for the dedication and coordination demonstrated by DFPA, the Roseburg Fire Department and all other responding agencies as they worked to contain the fire and prevent further spread”. Freeman said, “This incident posed significant challenges due to the difficult terrain and the potential threat to numerous homes and businesses in the area. Our community is fortunate to have benefited from the kind of coordinated, tireless response and ongoing cleanup efforts that remain clearly visible today”.
High fire danger continues around Douglas County. Fire agencies encourage residents to follow all current restrictions that are in place for the safety of everyone.