DFPA News Release: I-5 Milepost 97 Fire

Firefighters are currently battling a wildland fire, located approximately one mile southeast of Canyonville, near I-5 milepost 97 southbound. Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and Canyonville – South Umpqua Fire Department responded to the fire Wednesday evening around 10:00 p.m. The first firefighters to arrive on scene reported that the fire was 1/2 acre in size and was burning in old growth timber and brush, on a steep, rocky hillside. Additional resources were requested from the Tri-City Rural Fire Department, Riddle Rural Fire Department, Myrtle Creek Rural Fire Department and contract hand crews. As of midnight, the Milepost 97 Fire was estimated to be around seven acres in size. Falling trees, rolling rocks, and strong canyon winds have challenged firefighters in their efforts to contain the blaze. Crews have containment lines around the bottom half of the fire and will continue to work on the fire, overnight. Currently no homes are threatened by the fire and no evacuation orders have been issued. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a heat related illness. Motorists traveling through the area are asked to drive with caution, as fire equipment and personnel will be working alongside of the freeway. The cause of the I-5 Milepost 97 Fire is currently under investigation.