DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- The cause of the Hinkle Creek Fire, 11 miles northeast of Sutherlin Tuesday evening is under investigation.
A fire detection camera operated by the Douglas Forest Protective Association on Mt. Scott located a column of smoke in the Hinkle Creek area. Firefighters arrived on the scene around 6:30 p.m. and reported a quarter acre fire burning through young trees.
Three helicopters were used to keep the fire in check and by 7:30 p.m. the spread had been stopped. The fire burned one third of an acre. Crews remained on scene until 11 p.m. mopping up hot spots and securing control lines.