Fire Season in SW Oregon Begins June 1st

Medford, Oregon- On Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., fire season commences across lands safeguarded by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District. The fire danger level will be rated as “Low” (green), with an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) of I (one). This declaration encompasses 1.8 million acres of diverse forestlands, including state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties situated in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Following a relatively fire-free spring in southern Oregon, marked by spring rain, snow, and cooler weather patterns until mid-March, the ODF Southwest Oregon District has responded to 14 fires, all of which were human-caused. These incidents were successfully contained, totaling just over 10 acres in cumulative area.

With the advent of fire season and the categorization of Low fire danger, stringent regulations come into effect to mitigate potential hazards:

Debris burning, including piles and burn barrels, is prohibited.
Fireworks are strictly forbidden on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.
The use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, is prohibited.
Smoking while traveling is permitted only within enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on water bodies, and other designated locations.
Electric fence controllers must be approved by nationally recognized testing laboratories or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and must be installed and operated in accordance with fire-safe operation instructions.

Furthermore, fire season triggers regulations concerning industrial activities. Under IFPL I (one), the following requirements are in force:

A Firewatch is mandated at this and all higher levels unless specifically waived.

For detailed information regarding the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, individuals are encouraged to contact or visit the nearest Southwest Oregon District unit office: