Scenic Fire Grows to 83 Acres in Douglas County, Sends Smoke Toward Jackson County

Douglas County, Oregon- Firefighters are battling the Scenic Fire along the Rogue River in Douglas County as it pushes toward the Jackson County line, prompting travel delays and heavy smoke along Highway 230.

The blaze, burning east of Highway 230 near National Creek in the High Cascades Ranger District, had grown to about 83 acres with 5% containment as of Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service–Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

No homes are currently threatened and no evacuations have been ordered, but officials said the fire is in a popular outdoor recreation area known for camping, fishing and hiking. They urged the public to avoid the area while suppression efforts continue.

Crews worked overnight to strengthen containment lines along the west flank, laying hose and battling spot fires up to a half mile east of the main blaze. Many of those spot fires have since been incorporated into the main fire perimeter.

Fire activity remained high overnight, and dozers are cutting lines through dense vegetation and soft ground. On Tuesday, firefighting resources included 17 engines, four hand crews, three bulldozers, two falling modules and multiple aircraft. Additional orders have been placed for five more hand crews, two Type 1 helicopters for bucket drops and two scooper planes.

Travelers on Highway 230, also known as Diamond Lake Highway, should expect delays and reduced visibility due to smoke. Officials reminded drivers to watch for fire crews working in the area.