Fire-Related News - 2021

Most recent:

 

October 25, 2021

Oregon Department of Forestry     -    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
[ODF PIO contact information withheld by request]

Restrictions on Industrial Slash Burning Lifted, Expect Additional Burns During Cool, Wet Weather

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 25, 2021) – A persistent weather pattern of cooler temperatures and consistent rain has prompted a decrease in restrictions for industrial slash burning, effective immediately. As a result, prescribed fire and industrial slash burning may increase in high-elevation, remote areas throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties.

Recent rain and precipitation in the forecast has allowed for the change, as many of the areas impacted by the wet forecast are industrial lands. Additional information can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Pages/burn.aspx

These restrictions are specifically for industrial use and are separate from general public burning regulations. Before a debris burn, members of the public should first contact their local fire district for any needed permits, and on the day of the debris burn, contact the appropriate county burn line to confirm it is a burn day:

• Jackson County: (541) 776-7007
• Josephine County: (541) 476-9663

Additional information is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
[ODF PIO contact information withheld by request]

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

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October 20, 2021

Oregon Department of Forestry     -    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
[ODF PIO contact information withheld by request]

Fire Season 2021 Comes to an Official Close, Fire Prevention Continues in Jackson and Josephine Counties

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 20, 2021) – The 2021 fire season on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District has officially been declared over, effective Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. This declaration affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties and eliminates all public regulated use restrictions and industrial fire precaution level requirements.

“This summer had the potential to be another devastating fire season in southern Oregon,” Acting District Forester Tyler McCarty said. “Despite that, ODF Southwest is thankful for the season we had – busy, but successful.”

During the 2021 fire season from May 12 to October 20, ODF Southwest Oregon District firefighters responded to 278 fires for a total of 273 acres burned; no homes damaged or destroyed. ODF as an agency has a goal of stopping 98% of its fires at 10 acres or less; this year, the Southwest Oregon District nearly met this goal at 97.8%. Year to date, the district has responded to 337 fires for 389 acres burned. We credit this not only to our aggressive initial attack strategies and well-trained firefighters, but our partners throughout the region, from federal agencies to local fire departments, that have helped to make this season a success.

“The relationships we have with our partner agencies are invaluable,” McCarty said. “The level of cooperation between Rogue Valley agencies was unparalleled this fire season, and made all the difference.”

The 2021 fire season was not without its challenges; the Southwest Oregon District began responding to fires consistently from the first week of March forward. Before fire season was officially declared on May 12, ODF firefighters had already suppressed 59 fires at 115 acres burned, 30 of which were caused by escaped debris burns. Between above average temperatures and warm, windy conditions, fires in the spring spread much more easily, greatly contributing to the high number of pre-season incidents. Going into the season in mid-May, the majority of the district was experiencing an extreme drought, which also played a large part in the dry fuel conditions. Between the weather and dry vegetation, it was clear this fire season had the potential to be devastating.

Despite these factors, the season has concluded without a fire progressing beyond a Type 3 incident; the largest fire on the district, the North River Road Fire, was caught at 60 acres in late June. The following are the district’s 10 largest fires of the season:

Fire Name	Acres	Start Date	During Fire Season?
North River Road Fire	60 acres	June 19	Yes
E. Antelope Fire	49 acres	May 29	Yes
Board Mountain Fire	36 acres	August 31	Yes
Tarter Gulch Fire	33 acres	April 14	No
Bearwallow Ridge Fire	32 acres	April 22	No
Fielder Creek Fire	26 acres	September 7	Yes
Round Top Fire	23 acres	August 2	Yes
Buck Rock Fire	17 acres	August 1	Yes
Wards Creek Fire	8 acres	April 6	No
Thompson Creek Fire	8 acres	April 5	No

The remaining 268 fires were caught at six acres or less. On top of this feat, crews responded to more than 1,248 calls for service that did not result in fire suppression.  

The termination of fire season removes fire prevention regulations on equipment use and the use of fire for debris burning. This applies to the public and industrial operations on forestlands. However, industrial slash burning is still prohibited, and many structural fire agencies require permits for residential debris burning; please check with your local fire department to obtain any necessary permits before burning, and ensure it’s a burn day, designated by the county in which you reside:

Jackson County Burn Line: (541) 776-7007

Josephine County Burn Line: (541) 474-9663

While fire season is officially over, fire prevention must continue. Please be vigilant while burning debris, ensuring that a burn pile is never left unattended. Also, please use caution while using machinery that could produce a spark. Fall weather in Southern Oregon can vary greatly. This region is extremely prone to fire, and for that reason, fire knows no season; please be aware that fires can still spread in fall and winter conditions.

Despite the end of the season, the ODF Southwest Oregon District is still here to help. Fire prevention tips and additional information is available online at www.swofire.com, as well as our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
[ODF PIO contact information withheld by request]

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

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Regulations currently in effect, as of Wed. 10/6/21:

The text of ODF's news release on 10/6/21 follows:

October 6, 2021

Oregon Department of Forestry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

  

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
[contact info withheld by request of ODF PIO]

Fire Danger Level Decreases to Low in Southwest Oregon District Following Widespread Rain, Additional Forecasted Weather Systems

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (October 6, 2021) – Consistent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “low” (green) in Jackson and Josephine counties. Lands affected by this declaration include state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Under this designation, fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.

No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.

Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

Any 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.

The industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will remain at I (one). Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

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

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

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Regulations in effect, as of Sun. 9/19/21:

The text of ODF's news release on 9/18/21 follows:

September 18, 2021

Oregon Department of Forestry     -     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
[contact info withheld by request of ODF PIO]

Widespread Rain Allows For A Decrease In Public And Industrial Fire Restrictions

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2021) – A combination of widespread rain and a steady drop in temperatures has made it possible to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “moderate” (blue), and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will decrease to I (one) in Jackson and Josephine Counties.

For public use, restrictions on chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being slightly relaxed, allowing the use of equipment until 1:00 p.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 fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.

•          Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

•          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; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.

•          Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

•          Chain saws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during [moderate] fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use.

•          Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during [moderate] fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.

•          The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during [moderate] fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

•          Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during [moderate] fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.

•          Any 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.

Under IFPL [Industrial fire protection level] I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

•          A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

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

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
[contact info withheld by request of ODF PIO]

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

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Regulations in effect as of Wednesday, July 14th at 12:01 am:

The text of ODF's news release on 7/12/21 follows:

July 12, 2021

pOregon Department of Forestry   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
Media Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer

Fire Danger Level Increases to Extreme on ODF-Protected Lands

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 12, 2021) – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties rises to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands within ODF’s Southwest Oregon District. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two).

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Wednesday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws and mowers. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited.

Here are the details of the adjusted fire restrictions taking effect on July 14:

The use of power saws is prohibited.

The cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.

The mowing of dry or dead grass is prohibited.

The operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned above is prohibited.

The following fire prevention regulations are currently in effect and will remain in effect until the fire danger level drops significantly:

Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations.

Debris burning is prohibited.

Burn barrel use is prohibited.

Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds.  In other locations, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

Fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestland are prohibited.

Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s fire-safe instructions.

The use of exploding targets is prohibited.

The use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.

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 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District .

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
[contact phone withheld by request of ODF PIO]

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

 

 

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Regulations in effect as of Monday, June 28th at 12:01 am:

The text of ODF's news release on 6/25/21 follows:

June 25, 2021

Oregon Department of Forestry      -     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
[contact info withheld by PIO request]

Fire Danger Level Increases to High, IFPL 2 on ODF-Protected Lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 25, 2021) – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two) on Monday, June 28, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Monday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws and mowers. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.:

 Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use

 Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site

 The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops

 Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site

Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

 No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels

 No fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestlands

 Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited

 Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations

 Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain, are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling

 Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations

 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. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

 Any 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

Under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily:

 Power saws, except at loading sites

 Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws

 Cable yarding

 Blasting

 Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public restrictions, 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 our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.
Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
[contact ph# withheld by PIO request]

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

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In effect, as of Friday, June 4th at 12:01 am:

The text of ODF's news release on 6/2/21 follows:

June 2, 2021

Oregon Department of Forestry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
[contact info withheld at request of ODF PIO]

Due to High Temperatures and Dry Fuels, Fire Danger Level Increasing to Moderate on Friday

The change in restrictions will affect ODF Southwest Oregon District-protected lands

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 2, 2021) – The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “moderate” (blue) on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Please be aware that this level change means that additional fire restrictions for the public will be in effect. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level I (one).

These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.

Public fire restrictions currently in effect, which will remain in effect, include:

 No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.

 No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestland.

 Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

 Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

 Any 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.

Beginning Friday at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:

 Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed;

 Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use;

 Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;

 The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;

 Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.

 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. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

 Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season public restrictions, 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 our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.

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On Mon. 5/10/21, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry announced that the 2021 fire season will start on Wed. May 12th. The text of ODF's news release follows:

May 10, 2021

Oregon Department of Forestry   -  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
[cell ph. & email withheld at ODF's request]

Fire Season and Regulated Use Closures Go Into Effect May 12, 2021 on the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. (May 10, 2021) – Fire Season on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District begins Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. The fire danger level will be “Low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one). Lands affected by this declaration include 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Since the beginning of March, the district has responded to more than 50 fires, totaling more than 100 acres; warm temperatures, windy conditions and a lack of spring rain are among the contributing factors that increased fire starts and growth. Fuels across the region are also much drier than normal, reflecting late June-like conditions in mid-May. For these reasons, fire season is being declared in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Beginning Wednesday, the burning of debris piles and the use of burn barrels for burning debris will no longer be allowed in Jackson and Josephine counties. Over the past couple of weeks, our crews have responded to multiple debris burns that have escaped; landowners are encouraged to check their previously burned piles from this spring and confirm that they have been extinguished.  

In low fire danger, the following activities are prohibited:

 No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.

 No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestland.

 Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

 Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, and on private land with the landowner’s permission. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used as well.

 Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

 Any 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.

Under IFPL I [Industrial Fire Protection Level] (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

 A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

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

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com,  our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
Cell | [withheld at ODF's request]
www.swofire.com

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The 2021 pre-season: [no log at this time]

 

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