Fire Danger Level Increases to “Extreme” Starting Saturday

In response to the escalating wildfire risks, due to dry vegetation, hot conditions, and numerous active fires in the region, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has announced that the fire danger level on lands protected by the agency in Jackson and Josephine counties will be elevated to “extreme” (red) starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 3 (three) in the affected areas.

The regulations will impact a vast area of approximately 1.8 million acres, including state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District.

Effective from the early hours of Saturday morning, at 12:01 a.m., several public fire restrictions will be enforced to mitigate the risks and safeguard the community and environment. These restrictions are vital measures to prevent the further spread of wildfires in the region. The following activities will be strictly prohibited until further notice:

Use of Power Saws: The use of power saws will be strictly prohibited, with the exception of electric chainsaws.
Cutting, Grinding, and Welding of Metal: Activities involving cutting, grinding, and welding of metal will be restricted to prevent any potential sparks that could ignite fires.
Mowing of Dry or Dead Grass: The mowing of dry or dead grass will be banned to avoid any potential ignition sources.
Operation of Spark-Emitting Engines: The operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine, not specifically mentioned above, will also be prohibited during this period.

Authorities are urging all residents, visitors, and businesses in the affected areas to strictly adhere to these fire restrictions. It is crucial to remain aware and take necessary precautions to prevent any accidental ignition that could exacerbate the current fire situation.

The Oregon Department of Forestry and local firefighting agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary actions to combat the wildfires. They seek the public’s cooperation in adhering to the restrictions to ensure the safety of communities, wildlife, and natural resources during this critical time.