Fire Danger Level Moves to ‘High’ in Southwest Oregon

Medford, Oregon- With hot, dry weather and the growing risk of thunderstorms sparking wildfires, fire officials in southwest Oregon will elevate the fire danger level to “high” (yellow) starting 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2. Simultaneously, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two).

The changes, announced by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, will apply to 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Under the high fire danger designation, several additional restrictions will take effect for both the public and industrial operations.

Public Use Restrictions

The most notable change involves spark-producing power-driven equipment. Starting Wednesday, the use of chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, grinders, generators, and other internal combustion engines will be prohibited between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. This restriction does not apply to mowing green lawns.

Other ongoing restrictions include:

No debris burning, including in burn barrels. Fireworks are banned on or within 1/8 mile of ODF-protected lands and entirely prohibited on BLM lands. Exploding targets, tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge are prohibited. Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds; portable stoves and fire pits using bottled fuels may be used elsewhere if clear of dry vegetation. Motorized vehicles may only travel on improved roads and must carry one shovel and one gallon of water, or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles on improved roads, boats on water, or specifically designated safe areas.

For chainsaw use outside the 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. window, users must have a shovel and 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher on site, and conduct a one-hour fire watch after use.

Metal work such as cutting, welding, or grinding is also restricted to outside the 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. period and only allowed if the area is cleared of flammable vegetation and a water supply is available.

Mowing of dead or dry grass with any power source—including gas, electric, or battery—is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., except for green lawns or commercial agriculture operations.

Use of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engines is also barred during these hours unless conducted in safe, cleared areas with proper firefighting equipment on hand.

Electric fences must meet fire safety standards and be installed and used per manufacturer guidelines.

Industrial Restrictions – IFPL Level 2

Separate from public use regulations, the IFPL Level 2 places the industrial sector under a “limited shutdown”. Certain operations are only allowed between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. daily, including:

Power saw use (excluding loading sites) Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws Cable yarding Blasting Welding, cutting, or grinding metal

Fire officials urge the public and industry partners to stay informed and cautious as fire season intensifies.