Crews are battling a wildland fire southeast of Canyonville.
Kyle Reed of the Douglas Forest Protective Association said firefighters from DFPA and Canyonville-South Umpqua Fire Department responded to the fire Wednesday night at about 10:00 p.m. Its burning 1 mile from Canyonville near the southbound lanes of Interstate Five.
The first firefighters to arrive reported the fire was 1/2 acre in size and was burning in old growth timber and brush, on a steep rocky hillside. Additional resources were requested from fire departments in Tri-City, Riddle and Myrtle Creek, along with contract hand crews.
Reed said as of 12:00 a.m. the Milepost 97 Fire was estimated to be 7 acres in size. Falling trees, rolling rocks, and strong canyon winds have challenged firefighters in their efforts to contain the blaze. Crews have containment lines around the bottom half of the fire.
Reed said no homes are currently threatened by the fire and no evacuation orders have been issued. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a heat related illness.
Motorists traveling through the area are asked to drive with caution as fire equipment and personnel are working alongside the freeway.
The cause of the Mile Post 97 Fire is still under investigation.