Fire-Related News - 2022

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October 25, 2022

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

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

 

 

After Nearly 150 Days, Fire Season Ends on the ODF Southwest Oregon District

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE, Ore. (Oct. 25, 2022) – After a long, dry, and un-seasonably warm season, the 2022 fire season on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is officially ending on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. The ending of the 2022 season eliminates all public regulated use restrictions and industrial fire precaution level requirements. This announcement affects 1.8 million acres across Jackson and Josephine counties. This fire season on the Southwest Oregon District spanned 147 days.

“We’ve seen longer seasons that have hung on into late October and November before, but it’s been unseasonably dry this month,” said Tyler McCarty, Southwest Oregon District Forester. “Southern Oregon is very fire prone, but the heightened risk has passed at this point with the amount rain we’ve received this week.”

Between the start of the fire season on June 1 to October 25, there have been 240 fires across the district for a little over 21,703 acres burned. Lightning proved to be the main catalyst for fire starts in the season, causing 72 fires across Jackson and Josephine counties, including the Westside Complex in Jackson County and the Lightning Gulch complex in Josephine County. These complexes were made up of more than 50 fire starts caused by lightning strikes, spawning the Rum Creek and Hog Creek Fires near Merlin. The Rum Creek Fire would become the season’s largest fire, burning a total of 21,347 acres, destroying two homes, six structures, and taking the life of contract firefighter Logan Taylor.

“Logan paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect southern Oregon, and we’re so humbled and appreciative of how the community joined us in honoring him and his service,” McCarty said. “We’ve been fortunate on the Southwest Oregon District to not lose many firefighters, and Logan’s passing has touched everyone in our firefighting community. Our thoughts and prayers are still with his family and friends every day.”

The Rum Creek Fire was ignited by lightning on August 17 and was operationally taken over by Northwest Incident Management Team 13 on August 21. Near the end of August, gusting winds pushed the fire from under 1,000 acres to more than 8,400, and ODF Incident Management Team 1 and an Oregon State Fire Marshal IMT were ordered to work in unified command with Northwest IMT 13. All of Galice was evacuated, as well as surrounding rural residences, and portions of the Rogue River and recreational areas were closed as firefighters worked to create a containment line around the fire. On September 6, Northern Rockies Team 6 replaced Northwest IMT 13. By September 16, all evacuations had been lifted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. All teams demobilized by late September when the fire was declared 90% contained on Sept. 23.

The largest fires of the season on the district are listed below:

Fire Name	Acres	Cause
Rum Creek Fire	21,347	Lightning
Ladybug Fire	78	Lightning
Keeler Fire	73	Lightning
Cheney Creek Fire	30	Lightning
Tallowbox Fire	26	Lightning
Hog Creek Fire	26	Lightning
Anderson Butte Fire	25	Human-caused
Wards Creek Fire	16	Lightning

Despite challenges from dry fuels, hot temperatures, and windy conditions throughout the season, ODF firefighters kept 96.6% of fires at 10 acres or less within Jackson and Josephine counties, just shy of ODF’s protection goal of 98%.

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. 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) 476-9663

Even though the fire season is officially over, please continue to practice fire prevention when burning debris by ensuring a burn pile is never left un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Please be aware that fires can still spread in fall and winter conditions. This region is extremely prone to wildfire, and for that reason, fire knows no season.

Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is 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
[personal contact information withheld by request of ODF PIO]

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

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October 22, 2022

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

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

Widespread Rain Allows for Decrease in Fire Danger

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 22, 2022) – Recent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible to ease off on some public fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “low” (green) on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at I (one).

In low fire danger, fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

•   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
[personal contact information withheld by request of ODF PIO]

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

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September 20, 2022
Oregon Department of Forestry     -     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

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

Widespread Rain Allows For Additional Decreases in Fire Danger Regulations

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 20, 2022) – Continued widespread rain and more in the forecast has made it possible to continue 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, September 21, 2022 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 further relaxed, allowing the use of equipment on until 1:00 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily.

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 clear of vegetation.

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 high moderate 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 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
[personal contact information withheld by request of ODF PIO]

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

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September 18, 2022
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 Danger Level Decreases to High on ODF-Protected Lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2022) – Recent rain and continued precipitation in the forecast has prompted the fire danger level to decrease. On Monday, September 19, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the fire danger on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties will decrease to “high” (yellow). This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at II (two).

This change in the fire danger level allows for the use of power-driven equipment again, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be allowed before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. every day. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.

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

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

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
[ODF PIO contact information withheld by request]

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

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August 1, 2022

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 information withheld by ODF PIO request]

Fire Danger Level Increases to Extreme in Jackson and Josephine Counties

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

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 1, 2022) – Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions, thunderstorms and numerous active fires in the region, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two). 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.

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

•          The use of power saws is prohibited, excluding electric chainsaws.

•          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, including the use of burn barrels, 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 clear of vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

•          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.

•          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.

•          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 Southwest Oregon District’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 information withheld by ODF PIO request]

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

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July 15, 2022

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 information withheld by ODF request]

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

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 15, 2022) – 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, July 18, 2022 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, mowers, weed eaters, and more. 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. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.

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

•    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

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
Cell:[contact information withheld by ODF request]

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

 

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June 29, 2022

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]

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 29, 2022) – 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, July 1, 2022 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.

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 in areas clear of vegetation;

•    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, chainsaws 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. 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;

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.

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.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
Cell: (541) 621-4005

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

May 27, 2022

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 ODF request]

Fire Season Begins June 1, 2022 in Jackson and Josephine Counties

This Declaration Affects 1.8 Million Acres of Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-Protected Lands

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (May 27, 2022) – Fire Season on lands
protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District begins Wednesday, June 1, 2022 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.

Following a warm and dry start to the year, April and May brought more typical spring-like patterns and precipitation to southern Oregon and helped in decreasing the amount of fire starts. Year to date, our firefighters have responded to 25 fires for a total of 22 acres burned; these statistics tell a much different story than last year, when during the same timeframe, we had responded to 89 fire starts totaling 120 acres. While temperatures and conditions haven’t yet become consistently warm and sunny, fuels are primed to burn, and years of drought have contributed to an increased fire risk. For these reasons, fire season is being declared at this time.

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. Even with recent rains, 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 (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 ODF request]

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

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