Mehl Creek Fire Update

DFPA

Wednesday, 1:00 AM

Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and Elkton Rural Fire Department responded to a fire Tuesday evening around 8:25 PM, located three miles southwest of Elkton near Mehl Creek Road.  Upon arrival to the incident, the fire was estimated to be 40 acres in size, burning in an area that had previously been logged.  The fire was quickly spreading up a steep hillside, burning through heavy brush and residual logging slash. Strong, gusty winds resulted in numerous spot fires around the main body of the fire.  Additional resources were requested from the Kellogg Rural Fire Department, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, Oakland Rural Fire Department, and contract firefighter resources.

As of midnight, the Mehl Creek Fire was estimated to be between 150 and 200 acres in size with zero percent containment.  Four bull dozers are working to construct containment lines around the fire while 12 engines and five water tenders work to cool the perimeter of the fire.  Additional hand crews and firefighting resources are on order to assist with the incident.

No homes are currently threatened by the Mehl Creek Fire and no evacuations are in place.  The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.