Two Cal Fire air tankers have joined Oregon forces in battling the Beals Creek Fire east of Canyonville. Size estimate has been revised to 65-70 acres. Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) is leading the firefighting effort on the blaze, which was reported Monday evening. Burning on steep, rugged ground, the fire is dislodging debris down the slope and creating a hazard for firefighters.
Two DFPA and three private hand crews are working the blaze, and two water bucket-slinging helicopters are dousing the flames from above. The fire is currently about 75 percent contained. Cause remains under investigation.
With the declaration of fire season by Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northeast Oregon District on the morning of July 6, all but the northwestern Oregon districts will be in fire season.