FIRE ALERT: Culver neighborhood wildfire contained after rapid response

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A wildfire that broke out in a southwest Culver neighborhood has been contained to two acres. The blaze, designated the 0152 Fire, was reported around 3 PM in a neighborhood south of Madras in Jefferson County.

Neighbors initially called in the fire and used garden hoses to fight the flames. Fire crews responded quickly, allowing them to contain the blaze rapidly.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS Interim Fire Chief Kasey Skaar said crews were already tied up on other incidents when the fire came in, forcing a rapid coordination of resources.

“You know, we had calls right before this as well,” Skaar said. “So we already had crews tied up on another incident and were working to get resources out here. As the interim chief, it was a Type 6 response, and not being in a command vehicle, it’s really all hands on deck. We rely heavily on our mutual aid partners, and we have great relationships with them. We really appreciate all the help.”

At one point, level two and level one evacuations were issued due to the fire. These evacuations have since been lifted after the blaze was contained.

KTVZ News arrived to find much of the ground charred black from the fire, crews digging a containment line, and others using hoses to put out hotspots. After the blaze started dying down, we observed thankful neighbors offering the first responders water.

Neighbors in the area suggested the fire potentially originated from a burn pile. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

Jefferson County Fire was the primary agency responding to the wildfire, but the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management also assisted at the scene.

Earlier Coverage:

Jefferson County has issued a "Level 1" Evacuation Alert due to a wildfire burning south of Culver. The fire, named the 0152 fire, is currently burning near SW Feather Drive and SW Smith Lane.

As of 3:46 pm, Flightradar24 is tracking a fire air tanker currently at Madras Airport which is north of the fire. The MD87 has been seen in Central Oregon in previous years fighting wildfires.

This is a developing story. Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.