Rain Reduces Fire Danger Level in Southwest Oregon

Due to widespread rain, the fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties is set to decrease to “low” (green) as of 9a this morning. This welcome change in fire conditions, however, comes with a reminder that certain fire restrictions for the public will continue to be in effect.

The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at one, indicating that precautions are still necessary despite the reduced fire danger. These regulations apply to a vast expanse of 1.8 million acres of land, including state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management properties, all protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.

Under the “low” fire danger level, the following activities are strictly prohibited:

Debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels, is not allowed.
Fireworks are prohibited on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.
Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullets with pyrotechnic charges in their base, are strictly forbidden.
Smoking while traveling will only be permitted in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and at 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. They must also be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire-safe operation.

For additional information regarding the fire season public restrictions enforced by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, please reach out to the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

Medford Unit: 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Contact them at (541) 664-3328.
Grants Pass Unit: 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. Contact them at (541) 474-3152.

With the fire danger level reduced to “low” thanks to the recent rain, it is vital for the public to remain vigilant and adhere to these safety measures to ensure the continued protection of our forests and lands.