ANDERSON BUTTE, Ore. (July 26, 2025) – Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District firefighters have stopped a fire at just under six acres, originally reported early Saturday morning. The Anderson Butte Fire, located off of Anderson Butte Road west of Ashland and east of Buncom, is now fully lined and 90% mopped up, with work almost complete across the entire incident despite warm conditions, dry grass and steep slopes.
Just after midnight, ODF received a report of a fire on Anderson Butte Road. Upon arrival, resources found an estimated five-acre grassfire, burning on a steep slope through grass and brush. Firefighters worked quickly to line the fire with water, slowing its spread. This allowed resources to reinforce the line by hand, digging down to the bare dirt and holding it at an estimated six acres. Firefighters spent Saturday morning extinguishing flames and hotspots, keeping the fire out of trees and contained to its small footprint. By noon, the fire was fully lined and 60% mopped up, with this work nearing completion by 2:00 p.m.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Hot temperatures continue to dry out vegetation, steadily increasing the risk of fires starting and spreading; the majority of fires are human-caused and accidental, largely started by the activities that are regulated by ODF during fire season. Help prevent new fires from starting by following all current regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions.
This will be the only update on this incident. Fire season information is always available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.