06/15/2026
Fire season is heating up in Douglas County.
Several small fires were reported over the weekend, a reminder that conditions are drying out and it only takes a single spark to start a wildfire.
Please stay vigilant, follow all fire restrictions, and call 911 immediately if you see smoke or fire.
And remember: If a wildfire is burning, keep drones grounded. Unauthorized drones can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area, delaying suppression efforts and putting lives and property at greater risk.
Let's all do our part to keep our community safe this fire season.
DFPA NEWS RELEASE:
DFPA RESPONDS TO MULTIPLE WEEKEND FIRES, REMINDS PUBLIC OF FIRE SEASON RESTRICTIONS
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore.
The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) responded to multiple fires throughout the Douglas District over the weekend and is reminding the public that fire season restrictions are in effect. Fire danger levels throughout lands protected by DFPA officially increased to MODERATE on Saturday, June 13, 2026, while Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) increased to Level 2 effective Monday, June 15, 2026.
DFPA also responded to several illegal debris burns throughout the district over the weekend and issued citations for violations of fire season regulations. Open fires, including debris burning, are prohibited during fire season. As conditions continue to warm and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire, putting lives, property, and natural resources at risk. DFPA urges residents and visitors to comply with current restrictions and do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires.
๐ฅ Cooper Fire โ Sutherlin, Oregon
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at approximately 1:25 p.m., resources from DFPA, the Sutherlin Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Sutherlin Fire Department, Oakland Rural Fire Protection District, and Fair Oaks Rural Fire Protection District responded to a reported 2-acre fire located approximately one mile west of Cooper Creek Reservoir.
Due to weather conditions and the fire's proximity to nearby residences, the Sutherlin Fire Department and Sutherlin Police Department issued a Level 1 evacuation notice for homes near 550 South State Street in Sutherlin.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a confirmed 1.3-acre natural cover fire burning uphill through steep terrain. Responding agencies initiated an aggressive initial attack to quickly suppress the fire. DFPA resources assigned to the incident included four Type 6 engines, two Type 3 engines, overhead command staff, a dozer, and air attack resources.
The forward spread of the fire was quickly stopped, allowing evacuation notices to be lifted. By 10:25 p.m., firefighters had completed approximately 90 percent of mop-up operations, with no visible smoke remaining.
DFPA crews will continue to complete mop-up operations throughout today. The fire will then transition into patrol status, during which three consecutive heat checks will be performed to ensure all heat has been extinguished from the area before this fire is considered 100% contained.
The cause of the fire is under active investigation.
๐ฅ Old Booth Fire โ Myrtle Creek, Oregon
At approximately 5:10 p.m., crews from DFPA, Myrtle Creek Fire Department, and Tri City Rural Fire Protection District responded to a reported tree on fire near the 1100 block of Booth Ranch Road in Myrtle Creek.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that a fallen tree branch had come into contact with power lines, igniting a nearby tree. In coordination with the local electric utility provider, power was temporarily deactivated in the area to ensure firefighter safety while suppression efforts were completed.
The burning tree was successfully extinguished, with no further spread of fire into nearby vegetation.
๐ฅ Jack Creek Fire โ Drain, Oregon
At approximately 7:15 p.m., DFPA and North Douglas Fire responded to a reported natural cover fire near the 400 block of Jack Creek Road in Drain.
When DFPA personnel arrived on scene, the 0.10-acre fire had already been extinguished by North Douglas Fire crews. DFPA assisted with mop-up operations and initiated a fire cause investigation, which remains under investigation.
๐ Public Safety Reminder: Illegal Drone Use Near Wildfires
IF YOU FLY, WE CAN'T.
Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can place lives at risk. When unauthorized drones enter wildfire airspace, firefighting aircraft are often forced to land or remain grounded to avoid the potential for a midair collision.
Any delay in aerial firefighting operations can threaten firefighters on the ground, nearby residents, and structures, and allow wildfires to grow.
Interfering with firefighting operations on public lands is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may impose civil penalties of up to $75,000 against drone operators who interfere with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response activities when Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are in effect.
The FAA treats these violations seriously and pursues swift enforcement actions against individuals who jeopardize emergency response operations.
DFPA encourages residents and visitors to remain vigilant, follow all fire season restrictions, and immediately report smoke or suspicious fire activity by calling 9-1-1.
