Fire crews tackle Mt. Nebo Fire

At 6:30 p.m. on July 31, 2025, crews from the Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Pacific Power responded to a reported fire on the hillside near Interstate 5, Milepost 124 Southbound. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a wind-driven, rapidly spreading dry vegetation fire alongside burning railroad ties on the hillside of Mount Nebo.

Intermittent lane closures at exit 124 on Interstate 5 Southbound for firefighting operations were issued but have been safely reopened to through traffic. For firefighter safety, power was shut off to the area overnight and has been restored as of 7:26 a.m. today. Aerial operations were intermittently grounded during the initial firefighting efforts due to the unauthorized use of drones within the active fire zone, which posed a significant threat to firefighters.

The 50-acre fire is 100% lined, 100% plumbed, and 40% of mop-up operations have been completed as of 5:30 a.m. this morning. This fire poses no threat to structures or homes. The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Resources from the Roseburg Fire Department included eight firefighters, two chief officers, two Type 6 wildland fire engines, three Type 1 fire engines, and two incident command vehicles. In addition, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue provided incident command staff. Resources from the Douglas Forest Protective Association included thirty-five firefighters, three Type 3 engines, six Type 6 engines, overhead personnel, one Type 2 helicopter, and air attack.

Command of the fire was transferred at 10:00 p.m. from the Roseburg Fire Department to the Douglas Forest Protective Association. DPFA crews will continue mop-up progress on the fire for several days. Please use caution when driving in the area, as firefighters continue to work. Smoke will continue to be visible in the area as crews work to extinguish the fire and railroad ties burn out.

“Once again, Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) showed swift and effective firefighting capabilities in responding to the fire on Mt. Nebo last night. Just as vital is the strong working relationship DFPA maintains with other fire agencies, which played a key role in the response effort. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and coordination demonstrated by DFPA, the Roseburg Fire Department, and all other responding agencies as they worked to contain the fire and prevent further spread,” stated Chair Tim Freeman on behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners on Friday, Aug. 1. “This incident posed significant challenges due to difficult terrain and the potential threat to numerous homes and businesses in the area. Our community is fortunate to have benefited from the kind of coordinated, tireless response and ongoing cleanup efforts that remain clearly visible today.”

The Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas Forest Protective Association, and Central Douglas Fire & Rescue want to remind everyone that there is a high fire danger across Douglas County. Please follow all current restrictions in place for the safety of everyone.