Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, and Elkton Rural Fire Department responded to a natural cover fire Wednesday afternoon, located approximately 6 miles west of Drain, near Milepost 44 of Highway 38. Crews arrived on scene of the Highway 38 Fire at 1:10 PM and reported a fast moving fire estimated to be an acre and a half in size, spreading up a steep hillside. Three helicopters were used to slow the forward spread of the fire while a bull dozer and numerous engine crews worked to construct fire line and install hose lays around the blaze.
At 4:30 PM, the incident commander for the Highway 38 Fire reported that dozer line had been completed around the majority of the fire and hand crews would be working to construct fire line around the untrailed portion of the fire. By 7:00 PM, fire line was completed around the perimeter of the fire and hose lays were plumed. Crews will remain on scene of the Highway 38 Fire overnight, mopping up hot spots and securing control lines.
A preliminary fire investigation indicated that a downed power line ignited the Highway 38 Fire. A one mile stretch of Highway 38 near the fire was closed in both directions of travel for about three and a half hours after the fire began as fire crews and the power company worked alongside the highway. One lane of traffic was reopened with piolet cars at 4:30 PM.
Firefighters were assisted on scene by crews from the Oregon Department of Transportation and Douglas Electric Cooperative.
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