Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and North Douglas County Fire & EMS responded to a reported natural cover fire Friday afternoon that was visible from I-5 milepost 166 southbound. Firefighters arrived on scene of the Longview Fire around 5:15 p.m. and estimated the fire to be one half acre in size, burning on a steep hillside in heavy timber. Additional fire resources were requested from South Lane Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s South Cascades Unit. Crews from the Oregon Department of Transportation were also requested for traffic control.
Three helicopters were used to slow the fires spread while ground resources, including 13 engines, two tenders and a bull dozer, worked their way into the fire. By nightfall, the forward spread of the fire was stopped and crews were working to install hose lays and digging fire lines around the perimeter of the blaze. The Longview Fire is currently estimated to be around three acres in size but more accurate mapping of the fire will be completed at a later time.
Firefighters will remain on scene of the Longview Fire overnight, working to fully extinguish the fire. Motorists traveling through the area are asked to drive with caution as firefighters and equipment may be working alongside of I-5 near milepost 166 southbound.
The cause of the Longview Fire is currently under investigation.
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