GLENDALE, ORE: On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 9:00 pm., crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), South Umpqua Fire, Riddle Fire, Azalea Fire, Glendale Fire, and Tri City Fire responded to a smoke investigation located near the 30400 block of Lower Cow Creek Road, outside of Glendale, Oregon.
Upon arrival at the scene, a fast-moving, wind-driven fire was found in reproduction timber and grass, climbing uphill to the north and down a drainage to the east. Crews responded immediately and are engaged in an aggressive initial attack. The fire’s current size is estimated at 130 acres.
DFPA’s night crews, which included four engines, four squads, two dozers, multiple firefighters, and overhead command, worked aggressively to establish both hand and dozer lines around the fire’s perimeter throughout the night. As of 0700 this morning, September 1, 2025, air resources have been deployed and are engaged in fire suppression tactics. Additional resources, including four tenders, two dozers, one tethered dozer, four 20-person crews, three helicopters, and two VLATs, have been ordered and are continuing to arrive at the scene.
Due to the proximity of the fire, in coordination with structural fire departments and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Level 1 evacuation orders, BE READY, have been issued for the following locations:
All addresses between 30482 – 31302 Lower Cow Creek Rd.
A LEVEL 1 – BE READY EVACUATION NOTICE means you should be aware of the danger that exists in the area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
An interactive evacuation map can be found on our website at https://www.dcso.com/evacuations
The cause of this fire is under active investigation.
We want to emphasize that it is crucial not to use Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, over or near wildfires. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighters, public safety, and wildfire suppression efforts.
IF YOU FLY, WE CAN’T.
Flying UAS without permission over wildfires may violate federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, regardless of whether a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place.
Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives. When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents, and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger.
It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations when temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are in place.
The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses.