Most recent:

ODF's news release Mon. 10/29/18 "2018 Fire Season Ends" follows (we have bolded some text for readability):

October 29, 2018    -    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District 
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Season Ends Today, but Fire Prevention Continues

After 151 days of being ramped up and ready to fight wildland fires, the 2018 fire season ends today, Monday, October 29, at 9:00 a.m. on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District. Lands affected by this declaration include state, private, city and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Fire season proved to be challenging throughout the District due to high temperatures and, and in particular, a lightning storm that rolled through the area on July 15. The preliminary totals for the season show ODF firefighters tackling 348 wildland fires totaling roughly 50,000 acres. Of those fires, 106 are directly linked to lightning. This total fire count does not even include the number of alarms firefighters responded to related to fire restriction violations, assisting our local partners, and smoke chases throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties.

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, many structural fire agencies require permits for debris burning; please check with your local fire department to obtain any necessary permits before burning.

This is a great reminder; while fire season is over, fire prevention must continue. Please be vigilant while burning debris making sure 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.

While fire season has officially come to a close, we are still here to help. Fire prevention tips and additional information is available online at www.swofire.com, our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest, or you can call/visit the Southwest Oregon District 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

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

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ODF's news release on Wed. 10/24/18 announcing the decrease of the fire danger level back down to LOW (GREEN) (we have bolded some text for readability):

October 24, 2018     -   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Public Fire Restrictions Lower Today, Fire Season Remains in Effect

Cool temperatures, precipitation and overnight relative humidity recoveries have prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to drop the public fire danger level to “Low” (green), Wednesday, October 24, 2018, effective immediately.

The District is also suspending regulated use restrictions. Some of the public restriction changes include allowing ‘all-day use’ of power saws, and equipment for mowing dry, dead grass, however at this time, open burning of any kind will remain prohibited. These regulations affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and city lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.

As a reminder, public fire restrictions which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on forestlands.
• 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 property with the landowner’s permission.

Precipitation and the continued forecast has lent a helping hand in reducing the chance for difficult wildfires; however, the uncertainty of consistent rainfall could still pose a risk. Fire managers will continue to evaluate the upcoming conditions in order to determine if fire season can be terminated soon.

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
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

ODF's news release on Thurs. 10/15/18 announcing the increase of the fire danger level back up to MODERATE (we have bolded some text for readability):

October 15, 2018     -    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Public Fire Restrictions raised back up to Moderate

The recent shift back to higher temperatures in combination with windy conditions are forcing fire restrictions across Southwest Oregon to increase. The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will raise to “moderate” (blue), effective as of 9 a.m. on October 15, 2018.

These public fire restrictions are now back in effect:

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

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.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

ODF's news release on Thurs. 10/4/18 announcing the lowering of the public fire danger level to LOW (green) and the IFPL (Industrial) to Level I (one) (we have bolded some text for readability):

October 4, 2018 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Public Fire Restrictions Lower Today, Fire Season Remains in Effect

Continued cool temperatures, precipitation and overnight relative humidity recoveries have prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to drop the public fire danger level to “Low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to I (one) today, Thursday, October 4, 2018, effective immediately.

Some of the public restriction changes include allowing ‘all-day use’ of power saws, and equipment for mowing dry, dead grass. 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.

Precipitation has lent a helping hand in reducing the chance for difficult wildfires; however, the uncertainty of consistent rainfall could still pose a risk. Fire managers will continue to evaluate the upcoming conditions in order to determine if fire season can be terminated soon.

As a reminder, public fire restrictions which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on forestlands.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 (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 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
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

ODF's news release on Mon. 10/1/18 announcing the lowering of the public fire danger level to MODERATE (blue) (we have bolded some text for readability):

October 1, 2018       -       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Danger Level decreases to “Moderate”

The recent rain and cooler temperatures have made it possible to decrease fire restrictions across Southwest Oregon. The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will lower to “moderate” (blue), effective as of 9 a.m. on October 1, 2018.

As a reminder, public fire restrictions which will remain in effect, include:

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

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
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

ODF's news release announcing the lowering of the IFPL (Industrial Fire Protection Level) to Level II (two) on Sun. Sept. 30th (some text is bolded for readability):

September 30, 2018     -      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Restrictions Lower for Industrial Operators Today

Recent precipitation and cooler temperatures in the forecast prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to drop the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to II (two) today, effective immediately.
Please note, this is separate from the general public fire restrictions currently in effect. ODF Southwest’s public restrictions remain in place and unchanged with a fire danger level of “high” (yellow).

The following activities are not permitted between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except as noted:

• Power saws, except power saws may operate 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 public or industrial fire season restrictions, visit our Facebook page: ODF Southwest Oregon District, or our website www.swofire.com.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

ODF's news release on Wed. 9/12/18 announcing the lowering of the public fire danger level back down to HIGH (yellow) ("Fire Danger Decreases to HIGH Tomorrow") (we have bolded some text for readability):

September 12, 2018          -        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Danger Level Drops to High Tomorrow

A combination of higher relative humidities and cooler temperatures across southwest Oregon have made it possible to ease-off on some fire prevention regulations. The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will be lowered to “high” (yellow) tomorrow, September 13, 2018 at 6:00 a.m. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at a level 3 (three).

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 fireworks on 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 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.
• 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.

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.

###

ODF's bulletin announcing the rise of the IFPL (Industrial Fire Protection Level) to Level III (three) on Wed. July 25th (some text is bolded for readability):

July 24, 2018 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Industrial Fire Precaution Level Rises on ODF-Protected Lands Tomorrow

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 (IFPL) III (three) takes effect at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, July 25.

The following are prohibited between 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.:

• Power saws at loading sites;
• Loading or hauling of any product or material;
• Blasting;
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal;
• Any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

In addition, the following are permitted to operate overnight to the morning, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., where mechanized equipment capable of constructing fire line is immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start:

• Ground-based operations (tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations);
• Power saws on ground-based operations;
• Rotary head saw feller-bunchers with a continuous Firewatch;
• Non-rotary head saw feller-bunchers;
• Tethered logging - winch-assisted, cable-assisted, traction-assisted, etc. systems, which enable ground-based timber harvesting machines to operate on steep slopes.

This is considered a restricted shutdown and the following activities are not permitted at any time, except as noted:

• Cable yarding systems, except that gravity operated logging systems using non-motorized carriages or approved motorized carriages may operate between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.,when all blocks and moving lines are suspended at least 10 feet above the ground (except the line between the carriage and the chokers).

For the general public, ODF Southwest’s fire restrictions remain in effect and unchanged with a fire danger level of “extreme” (red). For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s public or industrial fire season restrictions, visit our Facebook page: ODF Southwest Oregon District, or our website www.swofire.com.

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

ODF's news release on Thurs. 7/19/18 announcing the public fire danger level increase to EXTREME ("Fire Danger Level Increases Tomorrow ...") has full details and is posted here (we have bolded some text for readability):

July 19, 2018     -       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Danger Level Increases Tomorrow on ODF-Protected Lands

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. Friday, July 20. 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 tomorrow affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws and mowers, to name a few. 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 20:

• 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 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 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 Facebook page: ODF Southwest Oregon District.

###

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

July 5, 2018                -                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Prevention Regulations Increase for
Industrial Operations Saturday

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. The industrial fire restrictions are separate from the general public. For the public, the “high” (yellow) fire danger level remains in place which was put into effect on July 3.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (two) takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 7. This is considered a limited shutdown which 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 a feller-buncher with rotary head saws will be prohibited 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, grinding 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.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public and industrial 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.

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

The fire danger level increased to HIGH, as of Tuesday, July 3rd, 12:01 AM.

ODF's news release on Mon. 7/2/18 follows (we have bolded some text for readability):

July 2, 2018

Oregon Department of Forestry         -          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District               -          SOUTHWEST OREGON NEWS MEDIA
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Danger Level Increases to High Tomorrow

The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “high” (yellow) tomorrow, July 3, 2018 at 12:01 a.m. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at level 1 (one).

These restrictions impact 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 will be the biggest change, with a mandatory shutdown time between 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The following fire prevention restrictions that will go into effect tomorrow, until further notice, are the following:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels;
• No fireworks on forestlands; [All fireworks within the Colestin Rural Fire District remain prohibited.]
• 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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.
• 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;
• 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.

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.

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

###

June 21, 2018       -      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Danger Level Changes to Moderate Saturday
Please Know the Fire Restrictions in Place

The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “moderate” (blue) on Saturday, June 23 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 forestlands;
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

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

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

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.

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328

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May 24, 2018       -      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Department of Forestry 
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
(541) 664-3328

Fire Season Begins June 1

Fire season begins Friday, June 1, 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 (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

“Rainfall across southwest Oregon is below average, and the above normal temperatures this May are causing our grasses to cure rapidly in the lower elevations,” said Dave Larson, Southwest Oregon District Forester, “In order to help curb the number of human-caused fires, especially escaped backyard debris burns, the conditions are ripe to declare fire season.”

The fire danger level for the public will be “low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will be I (one).

This means beginning June 1, the following public restrictions will be taking effect on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties:

• No burning of debris piles, or burning debris in burn barrels
• No fireworks
• No tracer ammunition
• No exploding targets

Last year, fire season started on June 4 and ended October 20 lasting a total of 138 days. A total of 350 fires blackened just over 1,000 acres. According to the 10-year average of fires on the District, 230 fires may burn more than 5,600 acres during fire season. Therefore, last year was quite successful for the District. We will continue to keep a safe, yet aggressive initial attack as one of our top priorities entering this season.

Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level I 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 Firewatch must also be provided.

For additional 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 our Facebook page: ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328
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The 2018 pre-season: [no log at this time]

Fire-related news and summaries for current and previous fire seasons are available from our Fire Season News Archives page.