Fire Danger Level Decreases in SW Oregon, Easing Some Restrictions

Effective today, at 12:01 a.m., the fire danger level in lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District has been downgraded to “high” (yellow), marking a positive turn in the battle against wildfire threats. This change in status comes with several notable adjustments to fire prevention regulations that will affect those residing within the district’s 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The most significant change pertains to the use of power-driven equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. Under the previous regulations, their use was severely restricted during high fire danger periods. However, with the fire danger level now at “high,” these tools can be utilized between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Importantly, power-driven equipment use on green lawns remains unrestricted.

While these easing measures are a welcome relief, it is essential to note that other fire prevention regulations remain firmly in place to ensure safety:

No Debris Burning: This includes piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
No Fireworks: The use of fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected land is prohibited.
Prohibition of Explosive Targets and Tracer Ammunition: Any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is not allowed.
Campfire Restrictions: Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds.
Portable Stoves: Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted in locations clear of dry vegetation.

When it comes to motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, they are limited to improved roads. Travelers are required to carry one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2.5-pound or larger fire extinguisher while on the move. Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, boats on the water, and specifically designated locations.

Specifically, chainsaw use is restricted between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger, with safety measures in place. Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal also fall under these restrictions unless the work site meets specific safety criteria, including vegetation clearance and a water supply.

Mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed during high fire danger periods, except for mowing green lawns or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

For activities involving spark-emitting internal combustion engines not explicitly mentioned, they are also restricted between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger.

It’s important to note that these adjustments are not applicable to industrial operations under Industrial Fire Precaution Level Two (IFPL II) – limited shutdown. Specific industrial activities, including power saws, feller-bunchers with rotary head saws, cable yarding, blasting, welding, cutting, or grinding of metal, are allowed after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily. Additionally, a minimum of a two-hour fire watch is required during breaks and at the end of the operation period, as mandated by ORS 477.665 and OAR 629-043-0030.

As the fire danger level recedes to “high,” these regulations aim to strike a balance between safety and the needs of the community. It is crucial for residents and visitors to adhere to these guidelines to prevent wildfires in Southwest Oregon District.