Pickett Fence Fire

Fire crews from multiple agencies suppressed a natural cover fire Monday afternoon that was located approximately three miles northeast of Tiller, near Pickett Butte. Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, Umpqua National Forest, and both Tiller and Milo Rural Fire Departments responded to the incident, named the Pickett Fence Fire, around 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, crews estimated the fire to be three quarters of an acre in size, burning in grass, brush, and young trees. Firefighters stopped the forward spread of the fire at approximately one acre and remained on scene until 9:00 PM, mopping up hot spots within the interior of the fire. The cause of the Pickett Fence Fire is currently under investigation. In addition to the Pickett Fence Fire, firefighters suppressed two additional natural cover fires Monday that were both related to escaped debris burns. At approximately 11:20 AM, crews from DFPA and Douglas County Fire District #2 responded to a fire six miles southeast of Roseburg, near Grouse Butte Lane. The Grouse Butte Fire burned a quarter acre of grass and brush before crews contained the fire. At approximately 3:30 PM, crews from Lookingglass Rural Fire Department and DFPA responded to a fire five miles northwest of Winston, near Strickland Canyon Road. The Strickland Canyon Fire burned 1/100th of an acre of grass and brush and was quickly contained. Despite fire season not being in effect on the Douglas District at this time, residents are reminded that forest fuel conditions are much drier than normal for this time of year and are encouraged to refrain from unnecessary debris burning. If home or property owners choose to burn debris piles before the start of fire season, they are encouraged to burn earlier in the day before temperatures and wind speeds increase in the afternoon. In addition, the debris pile should be surrounded by a fire trail before ignition begins and be monitored by an adult with fire tools and water until the pile has been fully extinguish. Via DFPA