06/25/2009

Associated Press

Five fires believed set by an arsonist had residents near Cave Junction hosing down a house as flames whipped through blackberry bushes and scorched power poles.

Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson said one suspect was responsible for the fires Wednesday, which were all controlled. No arrests were made.

At one of the fires, flames were reported at least 10 feet high. Fire officials encouraged residents of nearby homes to evacuate as the fire twice hopped across Caves Highway.

Lloyd Hipp told the Grants Pass Daily Courier that flames got within 200 feet of his house and burned some trees. His family grabbed hoses to protect the house, but firefighters showed up quickly to snuff the flames.

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Information from: Daily Courier, http://www.thedailycourier.com