DFPA NEWS RELEASE: DFPA Fire Activity

09/07/26 Canyon Creek Fire

09/06/26 Packard Gulch Fire

Douglas District, Ore.: Precipitation received across lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) did not eliminate fire activity throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend. Two separate lightning storms that occurred during the evening of September 5 and the morning of September 6 produced several registered strikes across the southern part of Douglas County. DFPA and rural fire departments initiated lightning reconnaissance and an aggressive initial attack on a total of five fires, four of which were caused by lightning.

Tunnel Fire. Glendale, Ore.: On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at approximately 7:47 p.m., crews from DFPA and Glendale Rural Fire Protection District responded to a smoke report located near the 400 block of Withycombe Grade Road in Glendale, Oregon.

Upon arrival, crews located a lightning caused vegetation fire approximately 1/100th of an acre in size. The fire was knocked down, mopped up and placed in patrol status. Three consecutive fire checks have been completed. No heat or smoke was detected, and the fire was officially contained.

Gravel Pit Fire. Riddle, Ore.: On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 3:54 a.m., crews from DFPA and Riddle Fire Protection District responded to a smoke report located near the 400 block of Gravel Pit Lane in Riddle, Oregon.

Upon arrival, crews located a lightning caused fire. DFPA crews assisted Riddle Fire with a mutual aid response. The fire was knocked down, mopped up and is in patrol status.

Packard Gulch Fire. Days Creek, Ore.: On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 2:49 p.m., crews from DFPA responded to a report of smoke located 1.5 miles northwest of Tiller Trail Highway in Days Creek, Oregon.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a single lightning struck tree with fire spread to approximately 1/100th of an acre of nearby vegetation. Crews took immediate action, lining and mopping up the area.

The fire is currently in patrol status and has received two fire checks. One additional check will be performed tomorrow. Once three successful checks have been conducted with no heat or smoke is detected, the fire will be considered officially contained.

Canyon Creek Fire. Canyonville, Ore.: On Monday, September 7, 2026, at approximately 3:46 p.m., crews from DFPA and Canyonville-South Umpqua Fire District responded to a report of smoke approximately 0.4 miles west of Interstate 5 near milepost 96.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a single lightning struck tree with fire spread to approximately 1/100th of an acre of nearby vegetation. Approximately 80% of mop up is complete, with crews continuing to make progress today. Once mop up is complete, the fire will transition to patrol status.

Pass Creek Fire. Curtin, Ore.: On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 7:04 a.m., crews from DFPA and North Douglas County Fire & EMS responded to a natural cover fire located near the railroad tracks, west of southbound Interstate 5 near milepost 166.5.

Firefighters from North Douglas County Fire & EMS arrived first on scene and knocked down the forward spread of a 1/100th acre fire. Command of the fire was transferred to DFPA, where crews completed mop up operations and transitioned the fire to patrol status.

The cause of this fire remains under investigation.

No homes or structures were threatened by any of these fires.

Fire Safety Message

These fires are a reminder that fire season continues throughout the district, even after recent precipitation.

Fire restrictions for both public and industrial activities will increase effective Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

Stay vigilant and follow all fire restrictions currently in place. Taking precautions and following restrictions helps reduce the risk of human caused wildfires.

Debris burning remains restricted.