2016 FIRE SEASON SUMMARY:
The 2016 fire season started on Fri., June
3rd, with a fire danger level of "Moderate" and an IFPL
at 1 (one).
The fire danger level increased to "High"
(yellow) on Thurs., June 30th, with a 10 am to 8 pm curfew for some
activities, and the IFPL remaining at Level 1 (one).
The fire danger level
dropped to "Moderate" (blue) on Fri., July 8th, announced
by the ODF in response to recent rain,
with the IFPL remaining at Level 1 (one), and with all previous
public regulations, including a 10am to 8pm curfew on some regulated
activities, also remaining in effect.
The fire danger returned to "High"
(yellow) on Tues., July 12th, in response to higher temperatures,
with the IFPL remaining at Level 1 (one), and with all previous
public regulations, including a 10am to 8pm curfew on some regulated
activities, also remaining in effect.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL)
rose to Level 2 (two) on Fri. 7/29/16, with the public
fire level and previous regulations unchanged.
The public fire danger level rose to "Extreme"
(red) on Mon., August 15th, with the Industrial Fire Precaution
Level remaining at 2 (two) and all previous public regulations remaining
in effect, except that publicly regulated activities that were previously
under a curfew from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm are now prohibited, under
a "24/7" shutdown.
The Industrial Fire Protection Level (IFPL) rose to Level
3 (three) on Thurs., August 18th, requiring logging, road
building and other operations in forests and wildland areas to shut
down most equipment by 1:00 p.m.
On Tues., September 6th, the Industrial Fire Precaution
Level (IFPL) was lowered to Level 2 (two), with the public
fire danger remaining at “extreme” (red).
On Thurs., September 22nd, the public fire danger level
was lowered to HIGH (YELLOW), replacing the 24-hour ban
on regulated activities with a 10:00 am until 8:00 pm curfew, with
additional fire season restrictions still in effect, and with the
IFPL remaining at Level 2 (two).
On Sun., October 2nd, the fire danger level dropped to
MODERATE (blue), removing public use restrictions on power
equipment; the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) was also
lowered to Level 1 (one), with Moderate fire season regulations
remaining in effect.
On Wed., October 5th, the ODF dropped the fire danger level
to LOW (green), with Low fire season regulations still
in effect, and with the IFPL remaining at Level one.
On Thurs., October 13th, at 12:00 am, the 2016 fire season
officially ended, called by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry
in a news release issued on Wed., Oct. 12th.
Most recent:
[The content of ODF's latest news release on Wed. 10/12/16 follows;
some text has been bolded here for readability and emphasis:]
October 12, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Melissa Cano
Fire Season Is Ending But Fire Prevention
Never Stops
Oregon Department of Forestry fire officials are officially ending
the 2016 fire season on Southwest Oregon District-protected lands
Thursday, October 13 at 12:00 a.m.
The conclusion of fire season is a result of cooler temperatures
and continued rainfall throughout Jackson and Josephine counties.
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June 30 will no
longer be enforced. This impacts 1.8 million acres of state, private,
county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine
counties.
Although fire season is coming to a close, it does not mean
that there is no danger of wildfire. The end of fire season
eases restrictions on activities that often can start a fire but does
not relieve a person of responsibility for their actions.
Residents need to remember that it is everyone’s responsibility
to practice fire prevention protocol. When burning or using
any type of fire in the woods or yard, make sure to be in
attendance and maintain control of your burn at all times. Clear above
and around your burn, with firefighting equipment nearby as a precaution.
Residents should contact their local fire department before conducting
any burning as restrictions vary among local fire districts.
The firefighters and staff at the Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District would like to thank all partnering agencies,
support staff and the public for their continued cooperation this
fire season.
For more information, please call or visit the Southwest
Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
[The content of ODF's latest news release on Wed. 10/5/16 follows;
some text has been bolded here for readability:]
October 5, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Melissa Cano
(541) 664-3328
Fire Restrictions Lower Today, Fire Season Remains in Effect
The wet weather and cooler temperatures [have] prompted the Oregon
Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to drop the
fire danger level to “Low” (green) today.
These changes affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county,
city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine
counties that are protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Dry conditions by the weekend could still pose a risk; however,
rain returns again next week reducing the chance for difficult fires.
Fire managers will reevaluate the upcoming conditions in order to
determine if fire season can be terminated soon.
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June
30 will be modified to the following:
• No debris burning, this includes piles and debris burned
in burn barrels;
In addition to the modified public use restrictions, under state
law, the use of tracer ammunition, exploding targets and sky lanterns
is prohibited as long as fire season remains.
For more information about the Oregon Department
of Forestry’s public regulated use regulations, please call
or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541)
664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Melissa Rae Cano
Public Affairs Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
Office: (541) 664-3328
[On Sun., October 2nd, the fire danger level dropped to MODERATE
(blue); the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) was also
lowered to Level 1 (one). The content of ODF's 10/1/16 news release
follows; some text has been bolded here for readability:]
October 1, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Melissa Cano
(541) 613-6313
Fire Restrictions Drop to Moderate on Sunday
The lower temperatures and forecasted rainfall has prompted the
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to
drop the fire danger level to “Moderate” (blue) Sunday,
October 2, 2016.
In addition, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will reduce to
level I (one), also effective tomorrow.
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June 30 remain
in force. These regulations listed below affect 1.8 million acres
of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands
in Jackson and Josephine counties that are protected by ODF’s
Southwest Oregon District.
Fire prevention regulations currently in effect, and which
will remain in effect, include:
• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in
burn barrels;
• No firework use on forestlands;
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with
a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
• No sky lanterns may be used in wildland and forestland areas.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
public regulated use regulations, please call or visit the Southwest
Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541)
664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Melissa Rae Cano
Public Affairs Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
Office: (541) 664-3328
ODF's Wed. Sept. 21st news release dropping the fire danger
level to HIGH (YELLOW) on Thurs., September 22nd, follows
(some text is bolded for readability):
September 21, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Melissa Cano
(541) 664-3328
Fire Danger Level Drops to High Tomorrow
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity across southwest Oregon
have made it possible to ease off on some of the fire prevention regulations.
However, warm and dry weather is expected to return to the region
by the weekend.
The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected
lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will be lowered to “high”
(yellow) tomorrow, September 22, 2016 at 12:00 a.m. The Industrial
Fire Precaution Level will remain at level 2 (two).
These regulations affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county,
city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s
Southwest Oregon District.
Restrictions on the public use of chain saws, brush cutters
and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being slightly
relaxed, allowing the use of equipment until 10:00 a.m. and after
8 p.m. Today will be the last day power-driven and/or spark-emitting
machinery is completely prohibited.
Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in
burn barrels;
• No firework use on forestlands;
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with
a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
• No sky lanterns may be used in wildland and forestland areas.
• Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable
stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations;
• Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads;
• Chain saws may be used until 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.
Chain saw users must have an ax, a shovel and an 8-oz or larger fire
extinguisher at the job site, and a fire watch is required for one
hour after the saw is shut down;
• Mowing of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment
is allowed until 10:00 a.m., and may resume after 8:00 p.m. This restriction
does not apply to mowing green lawns, or to equipment used for the
commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• The cutting, grinding or welding of metal are allowed until
10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. These activities may only take place
at a site cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials,
and with a water supply at the job site;
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not
specifically mentioned is permitted during high fire danger before
10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. as long as it is conducted in a cleared
area and has a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger
fire extinguisher immediately available.
• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in enclosed
vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated
locations;
• Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, or be certified by the Department of
Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance
with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
public regulated use regulations, or Industrial Fire Precaution Levels,
please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest
to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541)
664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Melissa Rae Cano
Public Affairs Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
Office: (541) 664-3328
ODF's September 6th news release announcing the lowering
of the Industrial Fire Protection Level (IFPL) back down to Level
2 (two) on Tues., September 6th, follows (some
text is bolded for readability):
September 6, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou,
Melissa Cano
Fire Restrictions Lower for Industrial Operators
Cool temperatures and high relative humidity has prompted the
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District
to drop the Industrial Fire Precaution Level to II (two) today.
Cable yarding, blasting, welding or cutting of metal, and power
saws except at loading sites may operate only between the hours
of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.
This does not change the fire danger level for the public;
the regulated use closure will remain “extreme” (red).
The regulations listed below affect 1.8 million acres of state,
private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson
and Josephine counties that are protected by ODF’s Southwest
Oregon District.
Fire prevention regulations currently in effect, and which will
remain in effect for the public, include:
• No debris burning in piles or in burn barrels;
• No fireworks on forestlands;
• Tracer ammunition and exploding targets may not be used
on forestlands or in any other wildland area;
• Sky lanterns are disallowed.
• Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds.
Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in
other locations;
• Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads;
• Smoking while traveling is allowed only in enclosed vehicles
on improved roads;
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is
required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads
and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½
pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles
must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher;
• A chain saw with a spark-emitting internal combustion
engine may not be used;
• Mowing of dead or dry grass with equipment using a spark-emitting
internal combustion engine is not allowed. This restriction does
not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial
culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• The cutting, grinding or welding of metal are not allowed;
• The use of any other spark-emitting internal combustion
engine will not be allowed;
• Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories
Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business
Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence
controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
In the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River between Grave
Creek and Marial:
• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in boats on
the water, and on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and
high water marks that are free of vegetation.
• All travelers are required to carry one shovel and a one-gallon
or larger bucket.
• The use of fireworks is prohibited.
• Campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires
are prohibited. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled
fuels may be used.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
public regulated use regulations, or the Industrial Fire Precaution
Levels please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office
nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541)
664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Melissa Rae Cano
Public Affairs Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
Office: (541) 664-3328
Return to top
ODF's August 16th news release announcing the rise of the
Industrial Fire Protection Level (IFPL) to Level 3 (three) on Thurs.,
August 18th, follows (some text is bolded for readability):
August 16, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou
Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 Takes Effect Thursday
Industrial operations on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected
lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will be required to follow
stricter fire prevention regulations starting at 12:01 a.m.
on Thursday, August 18. Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 (three)
requires logging, road building and other operations in forests and
wildland areas to shut down most equipment by 1:00 p.m.
These measures are necessary to prevent wildfires as much of the
southwest portion of the state is in a period of hot weather, dry
afternoon winds and low humidity.
The public regulated use fire danger level climbed to “Extreme”
(red) on Monday and will remain at that level for the foreseeable
future.
Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3, the following fire prevention
regulations take effect on Thursday:
• Cable yarding will not be allowed. However, gravity operated-logging
systems employing non-motorized carriages may operate until 1:00 p.m.
and after 8:00 p.m. These systems must have all blocks and moving
lines suspended 10 feet above the ground, except the line between
the carriage and the chokers;
• Power saw use will not be allowed. However, power saws may
be used until 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m. at loading sites and on
tractor or skidder operations;
• In addition, the following equipment and operations must
shut down between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.:
o Tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging
operations where tractors, skidders or other equipment with a blade
capable of constructing fireline are immediately available to quickly
reach and effectively attack a fire start;
o Mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material;
o Blasting;
o Welding or cutting of metal;
o Any spark-emitting activity not specifically mentioned above.
The following IFPL regulations are currently in effect and will remain
in effect:
• The use of fire in any form is prohibited;
• Commercial operations must have fire suppression equipment
on the job site;
• Watchman service must be provided.
For more information about the Oregon Department
of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office
in your area:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Phone:
(541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone:
(541) 474-3152
Southwest Oregon District fire prevention regulations are also posted
online at www.swofire.com.
###
Brian Ballou
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
www.swofire.com
ODF's August 14th news release declaring the rise of the
public fire danger level to EXTREME (RED) on Mon., August 15th, follows
(some text is bolded for readability):
August 14, 2016
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST OREGON DISTRICT SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou
Extreme Fire Danger Regulations Take Effect Monday
Very dry conditions in southwest Oregon’s forests and wildlands
makes it necessary for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest
Oregon District to shut down public use of power-driven and spark-emitting
internal combustion engines starting Monday, Aug. 15, at 8:00 a.m.
The pubic regulated use fire danger level will be “extreme”
(red) but the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at 2 (two).
These regulations affect the 1.8 million acres of state, private,
county and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine
counties.
Below are the public regulated use restrictions that take effect Monday:
• Chain saw use will be prohibited;
• Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment
will be prohibited, except for the mowing of green lawns, or the commercial
culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal will be prohibited;
• The use of any other spark-emitting internal combustion
engine will be prohibited.
The following public regulated use restrictions are currently in effect
and will remain in effect:
• Debris burning is prohibited;
• Burn barrel use is prohibited;
• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles
on improved roads;
• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal
fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations.
Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed;
• Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain
vehicles is prohibited, except on improved roads;
• Use of fireworks is prohibited;
• Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed
be a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the
Department of Consumer and Business Services, and 2) Operated in compliance
with manufacturer’s instructions;
• Use of exploding targets is prohibited;
• Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic
charge in its base is prohibited;
• Use of sky lanterns is prohibited.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area:
For more information about the Oregon Department
of Forestry’s public regulated use regulations, please call
or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Brian Ballou
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
www.swofire.com
ODF's July 28th news release announcing the rise of the
Industrial Fire Protection Level (IFPL) to Level 2 (two) on Fri.,
July 29th, follows (some text is bolded for readability):
July 28, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
SOUTHWEST OREGON DISTRICT
5286 Table Rock Road
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou or Melissa Cano, (541) 664-3328
INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTION LEVEL RISES
ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
IN JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES
Increased fire danger on forestlands protected by the
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has
made it necessary to increase the fire prevention measures on industrial
operations, such as logging sites and other commercial operations.
Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (two) takes
effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 29, and includes the following
restrictions:
• The use of fire in any form will be prohibited
• The use of power saws will be prohibited, except
at loading sites, between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• The use of cable yarders will be prohibited
between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Blasting will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m.
and 8:00 p.m.
• Welding or cutting of metal will be prohibited
between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, commercial operators on forestlands are
required to have fire suppression equipment on site and provide watchman
service.
These regulations affect all state, county, private
and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
The regulated use zones affected by this proclamation include SW-1,
SW-2, SW-3, SW-4, SK-3, RR-1, RR-2 and RR-3, and all forestland within
one-eighth of a mile of these zones.
The public regulated use fire danger level
remains at “high” (yellow).
For more information about the Oregon
Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the
unit office in your area:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central
Point. Phone: (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone:
(541) 474-3152
Southwest Oregon District fire precaution level information
is also posted online at www.swofire.com.
###
Brian Ballou
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
www.swofire.com
ODF's 7/12/16 news release announcing a return to HIGH fire
danger follows (some text is bolded here for readability):
July 12, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou
Fire Danger Level Jumps to High Today
The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected
lands in Jackson and Josephine counties is increasing to “high”
(yellow) today, Tuesday, July 12.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at level
1 (one).
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June 30 remain
in force.
These regulations listed below affect 1.8 million acres of state,
private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson
and Josephine counties that are protected by ODF’s Southwest
Oregon District.
Fire prevention regulations currently in effect, and which
will remain in effect, include:
• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in
burn barrels;
• No fireworks use on forestlands;
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with
a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
• No sky lanterns may be used in wildland and forestland areas.
• Campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds.
Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other
locations;
• Motorized vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads;
• Smoking while traveling will be allowed only in enclosed
vehicles on improved roads;
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required
while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways:
one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger
fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped
with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher;
• Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
During other hours, chain saw users must have an ax, a shovel and
an 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the job site, and a one-hour
fire watch is required after the saw is shut down;
• Mowing of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment
will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction
does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the
commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• The cutting, grinding or welding of metal will not be allowed
between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These activities will be allowed
during other hours provided the work site is cleared of potentially
flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at
the job site;
• Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc.,
or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services,
and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s
instructions for fire safe operation.
For more information about the Oregon Department
of Forestry’s public regulated use regulations, please call
or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541)
664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Brian Ballou
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
www.swofire.com
ODF's bulletin of 8 July announcing the lowering of the fire
danger level to Moderate (blue) follows (some text is bolded
here for readability):
July 8, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd. - Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou
Fire Danger Drops to Moderate Today
Light rain overnight has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
Southwest Oregon District to drop the fire danger level to “Moderate”
(blue) today. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain
at level 1 (one).
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June
30 remain in force. These regulations listed below affect
1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land
Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties that are protected
by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Fire prevention regulations currently in effect, and which
will remain in effect, include:
• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in
burn barrels;
• No fireworks use on forestlands;
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with
a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
• No sky lanterns may be used in wildland and forestland areas.
• Campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds.
Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other
locations;
• Motorized vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads;
• Smoking while traveling will be allowed only in enclosed
vehicles on improved roads;
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required
while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways:
one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger
fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped
with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher;
• Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
During other hours, chain saw users must have an ax, a shovel and
an 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the job site, and a one-hour
fire watch is required after the saw is shut down;
• Mowing of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment
will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction
does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the
commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• The cutting, grinding or welding of metal will not be allowed
between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These activities will be allowed
during other hours provided the work site is cleared of potentially
flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at
the job site;
• Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc.,
or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services,
and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s
instructions for fire safe operation.
For more information about the Oregon Department
of Forestry’s public regulated use regulations, please call
or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Brian Ballou
Fire Prevention Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
The fire danger level increased to "HIGH" as of
June 30th. The ODF announced the increase to High on 6/28;
the new level and related public and industrial regulations went into
effect on Thursday, June 30th.
In a second news release on 6/28, the ODF also announced fire prevention
regulations that are now in effect since June 30th for the Wild
& Scenic Section of Rogue River.
The text of ODF's news releases is as follows
(some parts are bolded here for readability), with a link to ODF's
news releases below each bulletin:
June 28, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
Oregon Department of Forestry - Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou
High Wildfire Danger Regulations Take Effect Thursday
Continued hot and dry weather has made it necessary for
the Oregon Department of Forestry to raise the fire danger level
to “high” (yellow) on Thursday, June 30. The Industrial
Fire Precaution Level will remain at level 1 (one).
These regulations listed below affect 1.8 million acres of state,
private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson
and Josephine counties that are protected by ODF’s Southwest
Oregon District.
Fire prevention regulations currently in effect, and which
will remain in effect, include:
• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in
burn barrels;
• No fireworks use on forestlands;
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet
with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
• No sky lanterns may be used in wildland and forestland
areas.
Starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m., the following regulations
will go into effect:
• Campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds.
Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in
other locations;
• Motorized vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads;
• Smoking while traveling will be allowed only in enclosed
vehicles on improved roads;
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is
required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads
and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½
pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles
must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher;
• Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00
p.m. During other hours, chain saw users must have an ax, a shovel
and an 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the job site, and a one-hour
fire watch is required after the saw is shut down;
• Mowing of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment
will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction
does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the
commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• The cutting, grinding or welding of metal will not be
allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These activities will be
allowed during other hours provided the work site is cleared of
potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water
supply is at the job site;
• Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories
Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business
Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence
controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
public regulated use regulations, please call or visit
the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541)
664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at www.swofire.com.
###
Brian Ballou
Fire Prevention Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
_________________________
The text of ODF's 2nd 6/28/16 news release follows (some
parts are bolded here for readability):
June 28, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
Oregon Department of Forestry - Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou
Fire Prevention Regulations Take Effect Thursday in Wild
& Scenic Section of Rogue River
The fire danger level will be “high” (yellow)
in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River between Grave
Creek and Marial starting 12:01 a.m. Thursday, June 30.
The Wild and Scenic section of the river between Grave Creek and
Marial is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and protected
from fire by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest
Oregon District.
The following fire prevention restrictions will take effect
on Thursday:
• Smoking will be prohibited while traveling, except in
boats on the water, and on sand or gravel bars that lie between
water and high water marks that are free of vegetation.
• All travelers will be required to carry one shovel and
a one-gallon or larger bucket.
• The use of fireworks will be prohibited.
• Campfires, including cooking fires and warming fires,
will be prohibited. However, charcoal fires for cooking and built
in raised fire pans will be allowed on sand or gravel bars that
lie between water and high water marks that are free of vegetation.
Ashes must be hauled out. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied
or bottled fuels may also be used.
For further information about fire restrictions in the
Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and
Marial, contact:
• The Oregon Department of Forestry, Grants Pass Unit, (541)
474-3152;
o www.swofire.com.
• The Smullin Visitor Center located at the Rand National
Historic Site at (541) 479-3735
###
Brian Ballou
Fire Prevention Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
ODF's news release bulletin announcing the start of fire
season on Fri. June 3rd, 2016, follows (some text is bolded
here for readability):
June 1, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Brian Ballou
Fire Season on ODF-Protected Lands Begins June 3
Fire season begins Friday, June 3, at 12:01 a.m. on lands protected
by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District.
Lands affected by this declaration include state, private, county,
city, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine
counties.
The public regulated use fire danger level will be “moderate”
(blue) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will be 1 (one).
Last year, fire season started on June 5 and ended October 28.
A total of 255 fires burned on lands protected by the Southwest
Oregon District, and blackened 347 acres. More than 200 of those
fires were started by people and 53 fires by lightning. According
to the 10-year average of fires on the district, 230 fires may burn
more than 5,600 acres during fire season.
The 2016 fire season may be another very active one. A good snowpack
in the Cascade Range and the Siskiyou Mountains recharged most of
the southwest Oregon region’s reservoirs, but may have little
positive effect on wildfire activity in the district, most of which
covers low-elevation grass and brush lands and mid-elevation forests.
Residual snowpack is at higher elevations on national forest and
national park lands.
While spring was reasonably wet, it was also 6-8 degrees warmer
than normal. Abundant grass and weed growth across the district
will provide plenty of fuel for wildfires, once the vegetation fully
cures. In addition, tree mortality from the drought has left numerous
dead and dying trees scattered across the landscape. These may moderately
increase the severity of forest fires in some parts of the district.
Beginning Friday, the burning of debris piles and the use
of burn barrels for burning debris will no longer be allowed. Other
public regulated use restrictions on ODF-protected forestlands include:
• No fireworks;
• No tracer ammunition or exploding targets;
• No sky lanterns.
Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 on ODF-protected
lands, commercial operations, such as timber harvesting conducted
on forestlands, will be required to have fire suppression equipment
on the job site at all times. A watchman must also be provided.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
fire season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon
District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541)
664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541)
474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at
www.swofire.com.
###
Brian Ballou
Fire Prevention Specialist
ODF Southwest Oregon District
The following is an archive of the 2016 pre-season:
[All open or debris burning ended as of 12:01 AM Friday June 3rd,
when fire season officially began.]
Use Caution When Burning Debris:
ODF's Fire Prevention Specialist Brian Ballou issued an advisory, "Use
Caution with Open Burning," on Tues. 4/5/16 regarding
the burning of slash or debris piles:
"Preventing summer wildfires and protecting your home often
starts in the spring when fire danger is traditionally low and the
warm weather lends to working outside. Spring is the perfect time
to clean up around the home and discard piles of yard debris safely
and effectively. Regardless of the time of year, always use caution
if your plans include burning piles of yard debris.
"Debris burning is the number one human-caused wildfire, with many fires taking place in the spring and fall. Statewide in 2015, 209 fires caused by debris burning blackened 432 acres and cost more than $630,000 to suppress. One-third of these fires took place before and after fire season.
"In Jackson and Josephine counties, escaped debris burning fires in 2015 caused 44 wildfires that burned 113 acres.
"The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents
to exercise caution when burning debris and to refer to the following
checklist before burning:
• Seek alternatives to burning,
such as chipping or recycling the debris.
• If you decide to burn the material, call your structural
fire department to see if a burning permit is required.
• Call your county’s air quality office to find out
whether open burning is allowed that day. The number in Jackson
County is (541) 776-7007. In Josephine County, call (541) 476-9663.
• Construct the burn pile in an isolated spot so the flames
won’t spread to adjacent vegetation. Dig or scrape a fire
line around the burn pile. Make sure there are no overhanging branches
or powerlines above the burn pile.
• Keep the burn pile small. Burning a small pile is easier
to control than a large one.
• Have a shovel and water at the burn pile site. If the site
can be reached with a garden hose, make sure the hose extends at
least 25 feet beyond the pile’s location.
• Avoid burning during windy conditions. Embers can travel
and ignite spot fires nearby.
• Stay with the fire, wetting down the edges to prevent escape,
until it is completely out.
• Remember, unattended piles can quickly spread out of control.
If your debris burn escapes control, call 911 immediately.
"This is also the best time of year to make your property
wildfire-safe. Be sure and remove all dead leaves and needles from
your roof and gutters. Create a defensible space of 30 to 100 feet
around your home by clearing brush and moving wood piles. Keep your
lawn well irrigated and make sure your driveway is clearly marked
and accessible for emergency vehicles and equipment.
"For more information, contact your nearest ODF office:
Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., (541) 664-3328
Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., (541) 474-3152
"Information is also available online at www.swofire.com."
###
NOTE: The Colestin Rural Fire District does not require
burn permits, but we do request that anyone planning to conduct
a burn notify us ahead of time, so that we are aware of
your activity and know that your burn is intentional, instead of
wasting resources on a false alarm.
It is also necessary to check with the County at (541)
776-7007 before conducting a burn to determine if current air quality
conditions allow burning.
As always, if you encounter unexpected problems with a burn, do
not hesitate to contact us for assistance. If a burn escapes
your control, call 9-1-1 immediately. (That way, we get
notified AND we have back-up support from other agencies if needed.)
It is far better to call for help as soon as possible than to wait
until we all have a serious fire on our hands.