Fire crews battle six small fires near Merlin

Merlin, Ore. — Firefighters in Josephine county spent Sunday morning working to contain several small fires that sparked near Merlin.

Rural Metro Fire reported six fires, each under 1/10 of an acre, on the side of Interstate 5. A southbound lane of I-5 was closed for part of the day, as crews worked to contain each fire.

Rural Metro Fire reported during that closure, a car drove through the cones blocking off that area, and nearly hit members of a fire crew. Drivers are asked to use caution when approaching emergency vehicles, and move over to the far lane if possible.

The Oregon Department of Forestry also responded. ODF is currently working to determine the cause of each fire.