October 20, 2021
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District ended fire season on 1.8 million acres it protects in Jackson and Josephine counties at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Rain, cooler temperatures and shorter day lengths combined to lower fire danger, allowing officials to end the restrictions associated with fire season.
The SW Oregon declaration affects state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands and eliminates all public regulated use restrictions and industrial fire precaution level requirements on those lands in Jackson
The last three ODF districts in fire season – the Klamath-Lake District, Northeast Oregon District and Walker Range Forest Patrol Association – have announced their fire seasons will end on Friday, Oct. 22.
“This summer had the potential to be another devastating fire season in southern Oregon,” Acting District Forester Tyler McCarty said. “Despite that, ODF Southwest is thankful for the season we had – busy, but successful.”
During the 2021 fire season from May 12 to October 20, ODF Southwest Oregon District firefighters responded to 278 fires for a total of 273 acres burned; no homes damaged or destroyed. ODF as an agency has a goal of stopping 98% of its fires at 10 acres or less; this year, the Southwest Oregon District nearly met this goal at 97.8%. Year to date, the district has responded to 337 fires for 389 acres burned. We credit this not only to our aggressive initial attack strategies and well-trained firefighters, but our partners throughout the region, from federal agencies to local fire departments, that have helped to make this season a success.
“The relationships we have with our partner agencies are invaluable,” McCarty said. “The level of cooperation between Rogue Valley agencies was unparalleled this fire season, and made all the difference.”
The 2021 fire season was not without its challenges; the Southwest Oregon District began responding to fires consistently from the first week of March forward. Before fire season was officially declared on May 12, ODF firefighters had already suppressed 59 fires at 115 acres burned, 30 of which were caused by escaped debris burns. Between above average temperatures and warm, windy conditions, fires in the spring spread much more easily, greatly contributing to the high number of pre-season incidents. Going into the season in mid-May, the majority of the district was experiencing an extreme drought, which also played a large part in the dry fuel conditions. Between the weather and dry vegetation, it was clear this fire season had the potential to be devastating.
Despite these factors, the season has concluded without a fire progressing beyond a Type 3 incident; the largest fire on the district, the North River Road Fire, was caught at 60 acres in late June. The following are the district’s 10 largest fires of the season:
| Fire Name |
Acres |
Start Date |
During Fire Season? |
| North River Road Fire |
60 acres |
June 19 |
Yes |
| E. Antelope Fire |
49 acres |
May 29 |
Yes |
| Board Mountain Fire |
36 acres |
August 31 |
Yes |
| Tarter Gulch Fire |
33 acres |
April 14 |
No |
| Bearwallow Ridge Fire |
32 acres |
April 22 |
No |
| Fielder Creek Fire |
26 acres |
September 7 |
Yes |
| Round Top Fire |
23 acres |
August 2 |
Yes |
| Buck Rock Fire |
17 acres |
August 1 |
Yes |
| Wards Creek Fire |
8 acres |
April 6 |
No |
| Thompson Creek Fire |
8 acres |
April 5 |
No |
The remaining 268 fires were caught at six acres or less. On top of this feat, crews responded to more than 1,248 calls for service that did not result in fire suppression.
The termination of fire season removes fire prevention regulations on equipment use and the use of fire for debris burning. This applies to the public and industrial operations on forestlands. However, industrial slash burning is still prohibited, and many structural fire agencies require permits for residential debris burning; please check with your local fire department to obtain any necessary permits before burning, and ensure it’s a burn day, designated by the county in which you reside:
- Jackson County Burn Line: (541) 776-7007
- Josephine County Burn Line: (541) 474-9663
While fire season is officially over, fire prevention must continue. Please be vigilant while burning debris, ensuring that a burn pile is never left unattended. Also, please use caution while using machinery that could produce a spark. Fall weather in Southern Oregon can vary greatly. This region is extremely prone to fire, and for that reason, fire knows no season; please be aware that fires can still spread in fall and winter conditions.
Despite the end of the season, the ODF Southwest Oregon District is still here to help. Fire prevention tips and additional information is available online at www.swofire.com, as well as our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
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October 20, 2021
LA GRANDE, Ore. – As of 12:01 am, Oct. 22, 2021, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will terminate fire season for forestlands protected by the Northeast Oregon District. This includes over 2 million acres of private, state, county, municipal and tribal lands protected by ODF. The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa and small portions of Grant, Morrow and Malheur counties.
“Although the weather conditions are cooler, and some precipitation has fallen around the region, there’s still a chance of fires escaping on dry and windy days. There are all kinds of opportunities for folks to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but we are still asking everyone to be cautious.” Said Justin Lauer, acting Pendleton Unit Forester.
The end of fire season means landowners protected by ODF can burn residential yard debris and burn barrels without a permit. This does not relieve landowners or forest operators of lawful responsibilities concerning the safe burning of debris or slash piles.
“Landowners with large debris piles or slash piles should exercise extreme caution. It is still very early in the fall and there is likely drier weather ahead of us. Waiting for more precipitation is a good way to mitigate the risk of an escaped burn. Landowners who have escaped fires can be held liable for extra suppression costs related to the containment of the fire.” Lauer stated.
Specific Smoke Management/Burning Advisory Information:
- If you are under the protection of a rural or city fire department, please be sure to follow their burning restrictions. Additionally, burning within the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) requires a permit from CTUIR. You must follow all requirements as outlined in the permit. Burn permits for burn barrels or small amounts of yard debris are not required on lands protected only by ODF Northeast Oregon District.
- Burning slash from forestry and logging activities requires a Notification of Operation/PDM from ODF. In addition to this permit, landowners are required to obtain a smoke management permit from their local ODF office. Before burning in northeast Oregon, it is also required to obtain the smoke management weather forecast. For smoke management forecasts visit the following website: http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/Daily/neo.htm
The Northeast Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry would like to thank all our landowners, forest operators, the public and interagency partners for their efforts in fire prevention, detection, and suppression activities this season.
To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963-7171, or dial 9-1-1.
October 14, 2021
PRINEVILLE, Ore, – Fire season in Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will terminate at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Burning of slash piles or other debris from forest operations or fuels treatment projects will not be permitted until additional precipitation is received. Cooler fall temperatures and periodic moisture has reduced fire behavior and improved fuel conditions across the District.
“Ending fire season doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk of wildfire,” emphasizes Frank Jones, Wildland Fire Supervisor in Prineville. “People need to be careful if they are burning, or engaging in any other activity that could spark a fire. This is the time to be attentive and cautious.”
Human-caused fires account for 62% (72 fires) of the fires in the Central Oregon District this year. This is 110% more than the 10-year average. Typically, there is an increase in human-caused fires just before the start of fire season and just after fire season ends. These uncontrolled wildfires are often linked to careless debris burning or burning in windy conditions and abandoned campfires.
With the termination of fire season, burning yard debris and the use of burn barrels is allowed. However, these fires should be kept small, and any surrounding fuel should be cleared away to reduce potential spread. A fire tool, such as a shovel, and water or a fire extinguisher should be available to help control the fire if needed. Fires should not be left unattended, should be DEAD OUT! and cool to the touch when you leave. Check with your local fire district for burning regulations in your area, including restrictions on campfires and recreational fires. Failure to follow burn permit instructions or burning on days when burning is not allowed may result in a citation or liability for fire suppression work.
- John Day Unit—Burning yard debris and burn barrels is allowed. No permit is required from ODF, check with your local fire department to determine if they require a permit.
- Prineville Unit (Sisters Sub-Unit)—A burn permit from ODF or your local fire department is required for burning yard debris or using a burn barrel.
- The Dalles Unit—A burn permit from ODF or your local fire department is required for burning yard debris or using a burn barrel.
When burning it is important to monitor the weather and be prepared for shifting and erratic winds which may spread fire outside the burn area. Wildfires cause damage to Oregon’s natural resources, including affecting water, soil and air quality, and harming local communities.
Fire season in the Central Oregon District began June 1 this year, and lasted 137 days. In addition to the 72 human-caused wildfires which burned 2,632 acres, there were 44 wildfires caused by lightning, which burned 2,432 acres. Lightning fires were 66% of the 10-year average. Overall, 5,063 acres were burned across Central Oregon District protected lands, 58% of the 10-year average. Eighty-five percent of the fires were contained at less than 10 acres.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
October 6, 2021
JACKSON and JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – Consistent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible to ease some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Wednesday, October 6, 2021, the public fire danger level decreased to “low” (green) in Jackson and Josephine counties. Lands affected by this declaration include state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Under this designation, fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
- No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and 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, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
The industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will remain at I (one). Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:
- A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
October 5, 2021
ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and the Roseburg District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officially end the 2021 fire season on Wednesday, October 6th at 12:01 a.m., for lands under their protection and management. The end of fire season is a result of recent wetting rains and an overall cooling trend which has returned to the area.
With the end of fire season, both the public and industrial fire restrictions that were implemented through DFPA and Roseburg BLM will no longer be in effect.
A list of fire restrictions and closures in place through private industrial landowners can be found online at https://ofic.com/private-forestland-closures/.
Some closures remain in place for public lands managed by the BLM Roseburg District in the Kent Creek area. For further information on closures specific to public lands, please visit:
https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.
Additional information on the Roseburg District BLM and status of recreation areas are available at: https://www.blm.gov/office/roseburg-district-office
Backyard debris burning outside of incorporated cities will be allowed without a burn permit from DFPA, however, residents should contact their local fire department before conducting any type of debris burning as fire restrictions may vary between local fire districts. The only type of burning that requires a permit from DFPA outside of fire season is for the burning of logging slash. Any type of commercial tree harvest that requires excess debris to be burned constitutes logging slash and therefore requires a burn permit. Permits to burn logging slash can be obtained by calling DFPA at 541-672-6507.
Despite fire season coming to an end, fire officials advise residents to exercise caution when burning yard debris or when using fire in the woods. Several days of sunshine and dry weather during the fall months can create a fire risk even if a week or more of cool, wet conditions precede them.
When burning yard debris, make sure to have an adequate fire trail around the pile before ignition begins and have fire tools and a water supply at the burn site. Debris piles should never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished before leaving the area. If a debris burn escapes containment, the responsible party may be held financially responsible for the resulting fire suppression costs and associated damages.
Those choosing to recreate in wildland areas are reminded that private industrial landowners and neighboring public land management agencies may still have fire restrictions or closures in place on the lands they own or manage. Recreationists should check with the appropriate landowner or public land management agency for the location they plan to recreate at, before heading to the woods.
Staff with the Douglas Forest Protective Association and the Roseburg BLM would like to thank the community for their cooperation and support during the 2021 fire season.
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