CANYONVILLE, Ore., - This is a wildfire emergency alert from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. This is a DOWNGRADE of evacuation levels for all homes within the previously established evacuation zones for the Mile Post 98 fire in Canyonville.

DOWNGRADED to a Level 2 - BE SET for:

• The 100 to 7500 block of Ritchie Road to Canyon Creek Road.

DOWNGRADED from a Level 2 to a Level 1- BE READY notice for: 

• The 100 to 950 block of Canyon Creek Road.

Conditions may change so continue to monitor. Drive slowly through active response areas. For local information, visit www.dcso.com/evacuations

A Level 3 remains in place only for utility structures on upper Ash Creek Road. No residential homes on Ash Creek Rd are included in a level 3 at this time.

TILLER, Ore. - UPDATE AS OF 11:30 am 09/07/2024:

The east side of Tiller Trail Hwy 34000 to 36760 block has been DOWNGRADED from a Level 3 to a Level 1 – BE READY notice.

Following reassessment with Devil's Knob Fire teams this morning and the successful operations overnight these addresses are downgraded.

Remaining in a Level 3 at this time are Joe Hall, Tison Road, Diamond Elk Road.

Monitor conditions and drive slowly through active response areas.

View map at www.dcso.com/evacuations.

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PREVIOUSLY RELEASED INFORMATION:

This is a wildfire emergency alert from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. This is an UPGRADE from a Level 1 to a Level 3 – GO NOW! for the following areas: East side of Tiller Trail Hwy 34000 to 36760 block. Also, Tison Road, Diamond Elk Road, Joe Hall area.

Level 3 – GO NOW means leave without delay, it is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family, and emergency responders.

Emergency services personnel may not be available to help you if you choose to stay.

• Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan.

• Leave as fast as safely possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities.
 

Use TripCheck.com (Road & Weather Conditions Map | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information) or call 511 for road closure information.

After you evacuate:

• Do not return to the area until public safety officials announce the area is safe. • Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.

• An interactive wildfire evacuation map can be located at: www.dcso.com/evacuations

• Once you are safe, check with friends and family.

WINCHESTER BAY, Ore. - On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received information regarding a boating accident in Winchester Bay. The United States Coast Guard had already been activated and was responding to the incident. 

As deputies were responding, the United States Coast Guard advised they located a separate overturned boat with subjects in the water. USGS personnel was able to rescue two subjects from the water, but a third individual was still outstanding. 

Deputies learned 63-year-old James McKeane of Medford had been fishing with his son, 36-year-old Kenneth McKeane of Central Point and a neighbor, 35-year-old Anthony Knight of Medford. After a few hours of ocean fishing, James McKeane was returning to the dock due to weather conditions in his 2020 18'6" Kingfisher. While progressing into the bay, a large wave crashed into the left side of the boat causing the boat to roll over. All three occupants went into the water without lifejackets. The vessel eventually capsized. 

James McKeane and Knight were rescued by USCG personnel. Lifesaving efforts were initiated on Knight who was unconscious. Both James and Knight were transported to Lower Umpqua Hospital for medical treatment. Efforts to revive Knight were unsuccessful. 

Kenneth McKeane was later located by USCG helicopter on the North Jetty and was airlifted from there to North Bend Hospital. 

As previously mentioned, there was an initial boating accident to which USCG and emergency services were dispatched. The individuals from that incident were located and were determined to be uninjured. No further information is available on that incident at this time. 

Both accidents remain under investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Marine Division working in coordination with the Oregon State Marine Board. 

TILLER, Ore. - This is a wildfire emergency alert from Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Level 1 BE READY to evacuate from the following areas: East side of Tiller Trail Hwy 34000 to 36760 block. Also Tison Road, Diamond Elk Road, Joe Hall area.

 Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate means:

Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates. View wildfire information map at www.dcso.com/evacuations

• Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification.
• Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early.
• Plan possible evacuation routes. Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
   
• If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

An interactive wildfire evacuation map can be located at: www.dcso.com/evacuations

Evacuation Graphic

A wildfire has started near Milepost 98 on Interstate 5, which has resulted in the following evacuation notices. 

LEVEL 3 - GO NOW! Evacuate immediately is in effect for the following areas:

* All homes in the 100-7000 block of Ritchie Road, Canyonville.

Level 3 - GO NOW means Leave Immediately!

There is extreme danger in your area - evacuate now. Leave without delay, it is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family, and emergency responders. Your life could be in great danger. Emergency services personnel may not be available to help you if you choose to stay.

• Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan.

• Leave as fast as safely possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities.

• Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.

****

LEVEL 2 - BE SET to evacuate from the following areas:

* All homes in the 100-950 block of Canyon Creek Road, Canyonville

Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate means:

• There is significant danger in your area - be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

• Time to act - follow your emergency plan. Grab your go-kit of essential supplies for health, safety, and identification.

An interactive evacuation map can be found at ww.dcso.com/evacuations

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Scammers are posing as officials from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) in an effort to scam community members out of money. Deputies have once again begun receiving reports from people contacted by phone by individuals posing as DCSO employees. 

The scammer will tell the intended victim they have missed some court appearance, failed to appear for jury duty, they owe fines or have a warrant for their arrest and eventually demands payment. The victim is often directed to immediately make payment or they face consequences including arrest. These are tactics that are never utilized by legitimate law enforcement agencies. 

It is critically important for our community to be aware of these tactics and to share them with their friends and family members, especially those who may be vulnerable to falling victim to the scams, such as the elderly members of the community. However, we also wish to remind the community not to focus too much on specific scam tactics; scammers often change their methods over time:

• Scammers can easily obtain new phone numbers and will change them often.
• Scammers may use “spoof” programs to make the Caller ID show an agency’s actual phone number.  
• Scammers may use the names of actual DCSO employees to make the call seem legitimate.  
• Scammers may obtain personal information about a victim online including their name, address, phone number, and the names of others in the home. 
• Scammers may initially contact victims by mail, email, or through social media.

Due to the technology used in the scam – and the fact that scammers can be located anywhere in the world – it is virtually impossible to track the scammers or to get money back.

“If anyone has any question about a possible scam call, they should call dispatch at (541) 440-4471 and ask to speak to a deputy,” said Lieutenant Brad O'Dell.  “The most important thing is to not send any money or agree to meet someone to make payment.”

LASD Flyer

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Friday, August 30, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., Douglas County Deputies received information from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department that a kidnapping suspect's phone was near the Love's Travel Stop in the Green District.

Detectives from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office indicated that 53-year-old David James and 39-year-old Tiffany Bryant had taken their children, ages 4 and 2, from a supervised visit and fled with them against child custody orders on August 14, 2024. The pair were believed to be in a brown Buick Enclave SUV and both had active warrants out of California for Kidnapping. A California Amber Alert had been issued for the children but had not been activated in Oregon.

Douglas County Deputies, along with multiple other agencies, began searching. Approximately 1 hour later at 2:29 p.m., a Deputy located the vehicle at the 103 Chevron in Tri-City which was unoccupied. They located David James inside of the Chevron and took him into custody.

During an interview with Detectives, James agreed to show law enforcement where Bryant and the children were and took them to a camp approximately 12 miles out Cow Creek Road. Once on scene, deputies located the children in the company of Bryant who was taken into custody. The Oregon Department of Human Services - Child Welfare Division was contacted and took custody of the children.

James and Bryant were lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the Kidnapping warrants out of California. Douglas County Detectives continue to assist the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department with the investigation.

Assisting agencies included the Oregon State Police, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team, Myrtle Creek Police Department and Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, shortly before the end of the business day, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office investigated a reported threat at the Douglas County Courthouse and Justice Building Complex. 

Out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with County Officials, the Courthouse and Justice Buildings were closed early, and all occupants were sent home for the day. 

The incident has since been determined to not be credible and remains under further investigation. 

The Courthouse and Justice Building complex will re-open tomorrow, Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at its normal time and all business will resume as normal. 

No further information will be released at this time. 

UPDATE 08/23/2024 5:30 PM

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - On Friday, August 23, 2024, the body of Chimanbai Patel was located at Diamond Lake. 

At 7:43 a.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received information from a member of the public they had been walking their dog on the west side of the lake when they observed the body in water. Marine Deputies, who were already on their way to continue searching for Patel responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, deputies recovered the body and confirmed it to be Patel. 

The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office responded and began a death investigation. Currently, there are no indications of foul play.

Patel's family was notified of the recovery. 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Klamath County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, Diamond Lake Resort, United States Forest Service, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Douglas County Dive Team and all of the community members who assisted in the search. 

UPDATE 08/19/2024 9:00 PM 

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - Search efforts continued today in the search for a man who drowned at Diamond Lake on Saturday. 

For the past two days, deputies have searched for signs of the victim, 37-year-old Chimanbai Patel of Bend, Oregon without success. On Saturday, August 17, 2024, at approximately 5:38 pm, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report that Patel had been on a pontoon boat with friends at Diamond Lake when he jumped into the water to swim. Shortly after entering the water Patel went under and never resurfaced. 

Deputies have enlisted the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Dive Team, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Klamath County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, and Oregon State Police. Today, a dog trained in water recovery was deployed on the lake with searchers. At this time, Patel remains missing.

“This is a tragedy for his friends and family,” Lt. Brad O'Dell said. “We have been in communication with his family and will continue efforts to locate him so he can be returned to his loved ones. We are very grateful to our partner agencies who have been assisting us in our search.”  

ORIGINAL RELEASE 08/18/2024 10:00 AM

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is continuing a search for a man who drowned at Diamond Lake Saturday evening. 

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, at approximately 5:38 pm, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report of a man who had been on a pontoon boat with friends at Diamond Lake when he jumped into the water to swim. Shortly after entering the water the victim went under and never resurfaced. 

Marine Deputies, along with a rescue crew from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and an ambulance from Umpqua Valley responded to the scene. Along with volunteers from the Diamond Lake Resort, crews searched unsuccessfully until dark. The 37-year-old, whose name is being withheld pending next of kin notification, is presumed drowned.

Today, searchers have returned to Diamond Lake to resume recovery efforts. Resources from Douglas County Marine Patrol, Douglas County Dive Team, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Klamath County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, and Oregon State Police are on scene. 

Evacuation Notice Cancelled Graphic

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - Effective at 9:00 am on Friday, August 23, 2024, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, working in partnership with fire managers, has cancelled the last remaining evacuation notice for the Potter Fire which is managed by the Diamond Complex. The cancelation was facilitated by fire suppression efforts. As a result of the cancellation, there are no current evacuation notices anywhere in Douglas County. 

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Cancellation Graphic - Dixon Fire

TILLER, Ore. - Effective at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, working in partnership with fire managers, has cancelled all evacuation notices for the Dixon Fire due to fire suppression efforts. No evacuation notices exist for residents impacted by the Dixon Fire. This is the last update from the Sheriff's Office regarding this incident. 

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GARDINER, Ore. - A Gardiner man has been arrested and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on sex crime charges.

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, at approximately 10:00 am, deputies were dispatched to a reported disturbance in the 70000-block of Highway 101 in Gardiner. After arriving, deputies determined there were no crimes committed during the disturbance.

As deputies were preparing to leave, they learned information that a juvenile had previously reported to an adult that they had been the victim of sexual assault by 36-year-old Eric Thomas Cumming of Gardiner. Cumming is known to the victim.

Deputies began investigating and developed probable cause for the arrest of Cumming. He was taken into custody and transported to the Douglas County Jail where he was lodged on the following charges:

• Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree x10
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree x10

Cumming remains in custody at the Douglas County Jail.

ADDITIONAL DOWNGRADES TO EVACUATION NOTICES

TILLER, Ore. - Additional evacuation downgrades have been implemented for the Dixon Fire due to fire suppression efforts. The following is a summary of the current evacuation levels as of Monday, August 19, 2024, as of 2:00 pm. An interactive map reflecting these evacuation levels can be found online at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

• LEVEL 3 "GO!":
  • No Level 3 evacuation notices exist for this incident. The previous Level 3 evacuation notices for this incident have been downgraded. 
     
• LEVEL 2 "BE SET":
  • No Level 2 evacuation notices exist for this incident. The previous Level 2 evacuation notices for this incident have been downgraded. 
     
• LEVEL 1 “BE READY”:
  • All residences on Crume Ranch Lane
  • All residences on Devil's Knob Road, also known as USFS Road #1610
  • All residences on the north side of Tiller Trail Highway from the intersection of Devil's Knob (USFS 1610) south to milepost 32.5 on Tiller Trail Highway. This includes all residences between these two points.
     
• CANCELLED EVACUATION NOTICES
  • All residences on the north side of Tiller Trail Highway from milepost 32.5 to milepost 34. This includes all homes between these two points.
  • The one residence in the area of Hamlin Prairie. 
  • The Pickett Butte Lookout Tower
  • All residential addresses on Pickett Butte Road.
  • All residences on the south side of Tiller Trail Highway from to milepost 29.5 to milepost 32.5. This includes all homes between these two points. 

All residents who have been placed on any level of evacuation notice and those living in proximity of the fire should continue to monitor official sources for updated information. Any changes to these evacuation notices or danger levels will be communicated through official channels. 

DOUGLAS ALERTS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

All Douglas County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas Alerts online at www.dcso.com/alerts. This system will be used to notify residents in an emergency, including wildfire evacuations.

Already have an account? Ensure it is up to date and your most current information is listed by conducting a wellness check on your profile. 

We are here to help if you have any questions. Please call us at 541-440-6025 or email us at douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov 

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - In coordination with fire managers, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office has cancelled most evacuation levels in the Diamond Complex. 

CANCELLED EVACUATION LEVELS: 

• All homes in the Slide Creek area downstream to the Soda Springs area
• Lemolo Lake area, including the KOA and all USFS Campgrounds around the lake
• Diamond Lake Horse Corrals
• Diamond Lake Campground (east side of the lake) - ALL 238 sites, all loops A-M.
• Diamond Lake RV Park - All 110 sites.
• Pacific Crest Trail from the Intersection of Highway 138E at the North Crater Trailhead to the intersection of Maidu Lake Trail #1446 near Miller Lake. 
• USFS North Crater Trail #1410
• USFS Mt. Thielsen Trail #1456
• USFS Summit Rock / Crater Trail #1457
• USFS Spruce Ridge Trail #1458
• USFS Howlock Mountain Trail #1448
• USFS Thielsen Creek Trail #1449

LEVEL 1 EVACUATION LEVEL

A Level 1 - Be Ready Notice remains in place for one residence on the east side of the Potter Fire. 

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 reflecting current evacuation areas can be found on our website at https://www.dcso.com/evacuations.

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE FOREST CLOSURE REMAINS IN PLACE

Although evacuation level have been cancelled in these areas, it is important to know that there is a significant forest closure which may include the above USFS roads, campgrounds and trails. This forest closure is independent of the Sheriff's Office evacuation notice process. For current information on the status of the campgrounds and associated forest closure, please contact the United States Forest Service. 

CURRENT EVACUATION NOTICES

TILLER, Ore. - Evacuations remain in place for the Dixon Fire. The following is a summary of the current evacuation levels as of Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 4:15 pm. An interactive map reflecting these evacuation levels can be found online at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

• LEVEL 3 "GO!":
  • No Level 3 evacuation notices exist for this incident. The previous Level 3 evacuation notices for this incident have been downgraded. 
     
• LEVEL 2 "BE SET":
  • All residences on Crume Ranch Lane
  • All residences on Devil's Knob Road, also known as USFS Road #1610
  • All residences on the north side of Tiller Trail Highway from the intersection of Devil's Knob (USFS 1610) south to milepost 32.5 on Tiller Trail Highway. This includes all residences between these two points.
     
• LEVEL 1 “BE READY”:
  • All residences on the north side of Tiller Trail Highway from milepost 32.5 to milepost 34. This includes all homes between these two points.
  • All residences on the south side of Tiller Trail Highway from to milepost 29.5 to milepost 32.5. This includes all homes between these two points. 
  • The one residence in the area of Hamlin Prairie. 
  • The Pickett Butte Lookout Tower
     
• CANCELLED EVACUATION NOTICES
  • All residential addresses on Pickett Butte Road.

All residents who have been placed on any level of evacuation notice and those living in proximity of the fire should continue to monitor official sources for updated information. Any changes to these evacuation notices or danger levels will be communicated through official channels. 

SAFETY INFORMATION FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS:

Residents returning to a Level 2 "BE SET" area, should be aware that danger still exists in the area and should remain ready to leave at a moment's notice. Individuals returning to areas impacted by the fire should be aware there are inherent risks associated with returning. Hazards have not been mitigated from private properties and homeowners assume all risks by returning to their properties. If at any time a resident feels unsafe or in the event of increased fire behavior, significant wind or rain, they should not wait to be told to leave and should do so on their own. The following safety tips are provided to those returning to areas which have been impacted by the fire:  

LOOK UP:

• TRAFFIC: Firefighters may still be working along Tiller Trail Highway. PLEASE drive slowly for their safety and yours. Firefighting equipment, large equipment and personnel should be expected in the roadway. Debris may also have fallen into the roadway. Reducing your speed through the incident area will ensure the safety for firefighters and the community.
   
• BURNED TREES: Trees that have been burned may now be very weak.  Do not park or stand under burned trees.
   
• GREEN TREES: Even green healthy-looking trees can have their roots burned which can make them fall.

LOOK DOWN:

• SEPTIC TANKS / CULVERTS:  The fire can burn underground septic tanks and culverts, but they can look “normal” above ground.  Be careful when walking as the ground over these can be weakened and you could fall through.  DO NOT PARK OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS.
   
• DOWNED WIRES:  Power lines should be de-energized.  Still be careful as they can get tangled in vehicles. 
   
• SMOKING / SMOLDERING MATERIAL:  Logs, stumps, and other burned material in the fire may still be soldering or burning. Watch for ash pits or holes created by burned trees and debris. These can be filled with hot ash that can be dangerous to persons or animals.

LOOK AROUND:

• FIRES: Fires may flare up without warning. Should you see flame or heavy smoke, do not assume that fire authorities are aware it. Residents will likely observe hot spots or smoke when returning.  
  
  WIND: If the wind increases this can bring trees and branches down.  Wind can also increase the movement of the fire. If it gets windy, you may consider leaving the area. 
   
• RAIN: Heavy rainfall can cause rocks, logs, dirt and other debris to slide down hillsides.
   
• WILD ANIMALS:  Animals may be showing unusual behavior.  They have been displaced, too, and could be looking for food or water.
   
• PERSONAL SAFETY: Your house and yard may be covered in ash.  There may still be live embers present. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or a jacket, and boots. Wearing a dust mask will be especially important. 
  
  Smoke levels can be at hazardous levels, specifically near the fires edge. The fire management team will be posting daily smoke reports to their Tyee Complex Facebook page.

RED CROSS SHELTER

The American Red Cross Shelter located at the Days Creek Charter School closed Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 12:00 pm. Anyone impacted by the fire who has unmet needs may contact Emergency Management through the Douglas County Dispatch Center at (541) 440-4471.

DOUGLAS ALERTS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

All Douglas County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas Alerts online at www.dcso.com/alerts. This system will be used to notify residents in an emergency, including wildfire evacuations.

Already have an account? Ensure it is up to date and your most current information is listed by conducting a wellness check on your profile. 

We are here to help if you have any questions. Please call us at 541-440-6025 or email us at douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov 

TILLER TRAIL HIGHWAY OPEN, DRIVE WITH CAUTION

Tiller Trail Highway is open to through traffic. Those traveling through the incident area are asked to drive at reduced speeds. Firefighters may still be working along Tiller Trail Highway. PLEASE drive slowly for their safety and yours. Firefighting equipment, large equipment and personnel should be expected in the roadway. Debris may also have fallen into the roadway. Reducing your speed through the incident area will ensure the safety for firefighters and the community.

CURRENT EVACUATION NOTICES

TILLER, Ore. - Evacuations remain in place for the Dixon Fire, previously referred to as the Tiller Trail Fire. The following is a summary of the current evacuation levels as of Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 2:30 pm. An interactive map reflecting these evacuation levels can be found online at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

• LEVEL 3 "GO!":
  • All residences on Crume Ranch Lane
  • All residences on Devil's Knob Road, also known as USFS Road #1610
  • All residences on Tiller Trail Highway from the intersection of Devil's Knob (USFS 1610) south to milepost 31 on Tiller Trail Highway. This includes all residences between these two points.
     
• LEVEL 2 "BE SET":
  • All residences on Tiller Trail Highway from milepost 31 to milepost 34. This includes all homes between these two points.
  • The one residence in the area of Hamlin Prairie. 
     
• Level 1 “BE READY”:
  • All residences on Tiller Trail Highway from Devil's Knob (USFS 1610) to Milepost 34. This includes all homes between these two points.
  • All homes on Pickett Butte
  • The Pickett Butte Lookout Tower

All residents who have been placed on any level of evacuation notice and those living in proximity of the fire should continue to monitor official sources for updated information. Any changes to these evacuation notices or danger levels will be communicated through official channels. 

COMMUNITY MEETING

There will be a community meeting, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the South Umpqua Community Church (27292 Tiller Trail Highway, Days Creek)

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

There was one home destroyed in the fire on Saturday during the initial phase of the incident. It is believed the residence was unoccupied at the time. Evaluation of additional structure loss is ongoing, which includes outbuildings, shops, sheds, barns, etc. Protection remains in place for properties impacted by the fire. The Douglas County Assessor's Office and Commissioner Tim Freeman will be engaging with the incident management team when the threat has lessened. 

RED CROSS SHELTER

The American Red Cross Shelter has been moved from the Canyonville School to the Days Creek Charter School (11381 Tiller Trail Highway, Days Creek). This was done to better meet the needs of evacuated community members. The shelter is available to residents who have been evacuated, need to charge electronic devices, or otherwise have requests for assistance. 

SHERIFF PATROLS IN EVACUATED AREAS

As part of Sheriff Hanlin's commitment to evacuated residents, 24-hour patrols will continue at the properties under evacuation notices. Deputies are remaining vigilant and will take enforcement action against anyone who would take advantage of those who are enduring this emergency.

DOUGLAS ALERTS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

All Douglas County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas Alerts online at www.dcso.com/alerts. This system will be used to notify residents in an emergency, including wildfire evacuations.

Already have an account? Ensure it is up to date and your most current information is listed by conducting a wellness check on your profile. 

We are here to help if you have any questions. Please call us at 541-440-6025 or email us at douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov 

PARTS OF TILLER TRAIL HIGHWAY CLOSED

Tiller Trail Highway remains closed at two points to all through traffic. The road is closed at Tiller Trail and South Umpqua Road just prior to the Tiller Ranger Station. Another closure is just south of Devil's Knob Road (USFS 1610). Residents who can show proof of residency beyond the closure will be permitted through area but should expect delays.

ANIMAL SHELTERING

Any resident requiring assistance with evacuation or sheltering of animals and livestock is encouraged to coordinate with Douglas County Animal Control by calling (541) 440-4471.

CURRENT EVACUATION NOTICES IN PLACE AS A RESULT OF THE DIXON FIRE

TILLER, Ore. - Evacuations remain in place for the Dixon Fire, previously referred to as the Tiller Trail Fire. The following is a summary of the current evacuation levels as of Monday, August 12, 2024. An interactive map reflecting these evacuation levels can be found online at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

• LEVEL 3 "GO!":
  • All residences on Crume Ranch Lane
  • All residences on Devil's Knob Road, also known as USFS Road #1610 
  • All residences on Tiller Trail Highway from the intersection of Devil's Knob (USFS 1610) south to milepost 31 on Tiller Trail Highway. This includes all residences between these two points. (UPGRADED 8/12)
     
• LEVEL 2 "BE SET":
  • All residences on Tiller Trail Highway from milepost 31 to milepost 34. This includes all homes between these two points. (UPGRADED 8/12)
  • The one residence in the area of Hamlin Prairie. (DOWNGRDED 8/12)
     
• Level 1 “BE READY”:
  • All residences on Tiller Trail Highway from Devil's Knob (USFS 1610) to Milepost 34. This includes all homes between these two points.
  • All homes on Pickett Butte
  • The Pickett Butte Lookout Tower

All residents who have been placed on any level of evacuation notice and those living in proximity of the fire should continue to monitor official sources for updated information. Any changes to these evacuation notices or danger levels will be communicated through official channels. 

RED CROSS SHELTER

The American Red Cross Shelter has been moved from the Canyonville School to the Days Creek Charter School (11381 Tiller Trail Highway, Days Creek). This was done to better meet the needs of evacuated community members. The shelter is available to residents who have been evacuated, need to charge electronic devices, or otherwise have requests for assistance. 

SHERIFF PATROLS IN EVACUATED AREAS

As part of Sheriff Hanlin's commitment to evacuated residents, 24-hour patrols will continue at the properties under evacuation notices. Deputies are remaining vigilant and will take enforcement action against anyone who would take advantage of those who are enduring this emergency.

DOUGLAS ALERTS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

All Douglas County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas Alerts online at www.dcso.com/alerts. This system will be used to notify residents in an emergency, including wildfire evacuations.

Already have an account? Ensure it is up to date and your most current information is listed by conducting a wellness check on your profile. 

We are here to help if you have any questions. Please call us at 541-440-6025 or email us at douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov 

PARTS OF TILLER TRAIL HIGHWAY CLOSED

Tiller Trail Highway remains closed at two points to all through traffic. The road is closed at Tiller Trail and South Umpqua Road just prior to the Tiller Ranger Station. Another closure is just south of Devil's Knob Road (USFS 1610). Residents who can show proof of residency beyond the closure will be permitted through area but should expect delays.

ANIMAL SHELTERING

Any resident requiring assistance with evacuation or sheltering of animals and livestock is encouraged to coordinate with Douglas County Animal Control by calling (541) 440-4471.

TOKETEE, Ore. - In coordination with fire managers, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is downgrading all homes in the Slide Creek area downstream to the Soda Springs area to a Level 1 - Be Ready Notice. This in inclusive of all addresses between these two points. These residences were previously on a Level 2 - Be Set notice as a result of the Pine Bench Fire, which is part of the Diamond Complex.

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.

Although the evacuation level has been reduced in this area, it is important to know that there is a significant forest closure which may include the above campgrounds. This forest closure is independent of the Sheriff's Office evacuation notice process. For current information on the status of the campgrounds and associated forest closure, please contact the United States Forest Service. 

An interactive evacuation map can be found on our website at https://www.dcso.com/evacuations.