An aggressive initial attack by both aviation and ground resources stopped a potentially devastating wildfire Tuesday afternoon, about eight miles east of Myrtle Creek. The Douglas Forest Protective Association and Myrtle Creek Rural Fire Department responded to a report of a grass fire near the 400 block of Louis Creek Road at approximately 1:30 p.m. The first unit to arrive on scene of the Louis Creek Fire estimated it to be 1/2 acre in size and reported that it was moving quickly up the hillside, burning in grass and young conifer trees. Additional resources were requested from the Tri-City Rural Fire Department, Riddle Rural Fire Department, and the Canyonville – South Umpqua Rural Fire Department.
Four helicopters were used to slow the fires spread while a bull dozer and fire crews worked their way around the perimeter of the fire. Multiple spot fires around the main fire challenged crews as they worked to suppress the blaze. By approximately 4:00 p.m., a dozer line was completed around the fire, stopping the forward spread at approximately two acres. Firefighters will remain on scene of the Louis Creek Fire well into nightfall, working to mop up hot spots and to improve control lines.
A preliminary fire investigation indicated that the cause of the Louis Creek Fire may be related to an electric cart driving through dry grass.
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