June 30, 2025
La Grande, OR – The risk of wildfires is increasing rapidly due to warmer and drier weather. In response, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) for the Northeast Oregon District is implementing High Fire Restrictions on land they protect, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The primary goal of these additional fire prevention measures is to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. “Forecasts indicate that we will experience typical summer weather in the coming weeks, accompanied by elevated temperatures. Given these conditions and the escalating fire danger, we are enforcing stricter fire restrictions,” stated Justin Lauer, District Forester.
These restrictions affect private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in Union, Baker, Wallowa, and Umatilla counties along with small portions of Malheur, Morrow, and Grant counties within the Northeast Oregon Forest Protection District. This area encompasses approximately 2 million acres of protected lands. ODF encourages landowners and the public to help prevent accidental ignitions by taking extra precautions while recreating or working, it can make a difference.
The Public Use Restrictions (High Fire Danger) include the following fire prevention measures:
- Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at designated locations.
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- Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
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- Propane fire pits are allowed if they are self-contained and 3 feet away from any flammable fuels with a maximum flame height of 2 feet.
- Non-industrial Chainsaw use is prohibited from noon to 8 p.m.
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- Non-industrial chainsaw use is allowed at all other hours if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one shovel or other firefighting tool and one 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher or 1-gallon of water. In addition, a fire watch is required at least one hour following the end of chainsaw use.
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- Electric Chainsaws are allowed all day.
- Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited from Noon-8 p.m. Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is permitted at all other hours, if conducted in a 10-foot area cleared of flammable vegetation, shovel or other firefighting tool, a minimum of 1-gallon of water, or 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
- Mowing dried and cured grass with power-driven equipment is prohibited from noon to 8 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
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- Electric string trimmers are allowed all day.
- Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required for any vehicle/UTV/ATV traveling on unimproved roadways where flammable vegetation exists on roadway: shovel or other firefighting tool, minimum of 1-gallon of water, or 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
PROHIBITED:
- All open debris burning, and the use of burn barrels.
- Use of fireworks.
- Use of exploding targets.
- Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
- Smoking while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or in a cleared area free of flammable vegetation.
- Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.
For further information, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at these local offices:
La Grande Unit (541) 963-3168
Baker City Sub-Unit (541) 523-5831
Wallowa Unit (541) 886-2881
Pendleton Unit (541) 276-3491
Current fire restrictions for forestlands in Northeast Oregon can be found at www.bmidc.org or by calling the Northeast Oregon Fire Prevention line: (541) 975-3027.
http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains. Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/oregondeptofforestryNEO/
Call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541)963-7171 or dial 9-1-1 to report a fire.
June 30, 2025
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 30, 2025) – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two) on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. This increase is due to consistent hot temperatures, dry vegetation and the threat of thunderstorms and unpreventable lightning-caused fire potential. This change affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Wednesday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.
Other 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 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected land. Fireworks are prohibited on all BLM land
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited
- Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves or fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation at all times
- Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain, are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling
- Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations
- Chainsaws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use
- Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site
- The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger, including equipment powered by gas, electricity or batteries. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops
- Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site
- 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
For industrial operations, under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily:
- Power saws, except at loading sites
- Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
- Cable yarding
- Blasting
- Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, 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
Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.
June 27, 2025
Stayton, Ore. – Fire season on all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) North Cascade District will begin July 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., and the district’s fire danger level will be “moderate”. The North Cascade District protects state and private lands in Multnomah, Clackamas, Linn and Marion counties.
The launch of fire season sets into motion several fire prevention measures for the general public and forest operations. First and foremost, debris burning will no longer be permitted. If you were unable to burn your yard debris this spring, cover burn piles and wait until late fall or winter when burning is allowed and conditions are more suitable.
Under moderate fire danger and regulated closure, the following public activities are prohibited on forestlands:
- The use of fireworks, tracer ammunition, exploding targets and sky lanterns.
- Discharging an exploding target within one-eight mile of the district’s boundaries is also prohibited.
- The use of fuse and caps for blasting, unless approval is granted by the forester.
Additionally, the following activities are restricted on forestlands under moderate fire danger:
- Recreational fires; including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires; are only allowed in designated locations.
- Smoking is only allowed in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated locations.
Public use restrictions will change as fire danger goes up or down. Stay current on fire danger and restrictions wherever you are this summer by visiting https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.
In addition to these public use restrictions, fire season requirements for forest operations also go into effect. Fire season starts with Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1. Operators are required to have fire tools, water supply, spark arresters and a fire watch on site. Smoking and the use of fuse and caps for blasting are prohibited.
The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents to not become complacent in wildfire prevention this fire season. The fewer human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org
Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.
June 23, 2025
THE DALLES, Ore. – This will be the last update from the Type 3 team between Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue, Oregon Department of Forestry, and USFS-Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Public Information.
Over the weekend Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden visited local officials and the Type 3 team staff to show support and tour the affected area of Rowena before attending a town hall in Hood River, Ore.
Sunday firefighters addressed the few remaining areas of suppression repair while the majority began to demobilize and travel home. In the coming week, the Type 3 team will transition out and hand the fire back to local resources. A plan of action has been formed to meet the remaining containment needs for local resources to patrol and monitor. Interior smoke may be present for several weeks if hidden hotspots emerge under heat or wind.
As a reminder, Wasco County will hold two Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) events this week to continue to assist individuals and families who have lost their homes or experienced significant damage due to the Rowena Wildfire. Public, private, and nonprofit organizations will join at the Gloria Center, located at 2505 W 7th St. in The Dalles, to offer a wide range of services and resources. MARC events will be held on Monday, June 23 from 12 to 3 PM and Wednesday, June 25 from 4 to 6 PM. For questions about the MARC, call 541-506-2724.
All evacuations have been lifted by the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
The Rowena Fire Facebook page will remain open for now. A local Public Information Officer will remain available for further inquiry about the Rowena Fire via the email above.
Estimated Size: 3,700 acres
Containment: 96%
Cause: Under Investigation
Estimated Cost: $9,236,811.00
Number of Personnel: 73
ODF Incident Commander: Brian Reel
June 22, 2025
RUCH, Ore. – Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate Fire continue to make steady strides across the incident, pushing forward progress in mop-up operations and bringing the overall incident up to 55% contained. The fire, located along the 2000-block of Upper Applegate Road on private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, was caught by firefighters at 453 acres.
Cool weather conditions persisted Friday night, and a short duration of heavy rain was seen across the fire. On Saturday, temperatures remained much lower than normal, however only a light drizzle of rain fell. Overnight, resources focused on mop-up operations, reaching 100 feet into the fire’s perimeter. This work consists of searching for remaining hotspots within the fire line, which could include smoldering coals or root systems underground that are still holding heat. If left, the fire could flare up again in hot, windy conditions. As firefighters continue to make progress on this tedious work, the line that was
initially built around the fire grows stronger and containment increases.
Sunday night, resources assigned to the fire will scout the areas that have been mopped up with infrared (IR) technology to help locate any missed hotspots and ensure the area is
completely free of fire or heat.
Tomorrow (Monday) firefighters will continue with this process, pushing for150 feet into the interior clear of hotspots. Resources on the line will be the same as Saturday’s roster of seven 20-person crews, one 10-person crew, four engines, two water tenders and one bulldozer. Four sets of fallers remain on the fire as well, removing hazard trees when needed to
This will be the final update unless conditions significantly change create a safer working environment. In total, 202 personnel are assigned to the incident.
On Saturday morning, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management cancelled all evacuation notices that were left around the fire area. Roads remain open around the fire, including Upper Applegate and Little Applegate roads, however firefighters are still working in the area. Please be aware and cautious when traveling near the fire area.
The Upper Applegate Fire of 2025 was reported at 12:30 p.m. on June 18 as a grass fire nearly a year to the day of last year’s Upper Applegate incident. Both fires are located in the same general area, with similar weather and vegetation moisture levels, however this year’s fire started roughly three hours earlier in the day. Additionally, on both days, ODF was responding to a second fire during initial attack. While there are slight nuances to the data, these events are similar in nature across the board. Despite these similarities, fire managers attribute bringing ODF initial attack firefighters on earlier, as well as hazard tree mitigation work in the area completed by the BLM this year to the success of firefighters on the ground.
“Our funding model is set for us, and it allows for a limited amount of time we can employ our seasonal firefighters. With more fires starting in June each year, we took a creative approach to our hiring practices and brought on Forest Officers a week early this year,” Dan Quinones said, ODF Southwest Oregon’s District Forester. “It’s a balance, because it dictates how long into September and October we can keep those positions staffed, and we will likely still be responding to fires at that point. But with that decision, those firefighters were through their recertifications a week early and were in their patrol areas ready to make a fast response to the Upper Applegate Fire. This is a direct reflection of our staffing needs to protect the communities we serve and the positive result of having firefighters on staff earlier.”
Prior work helped create safer access points for firefighters
Along the fire’s perimeter, work completed by the BLM Ashland Field Office over the winter helped to create safer access points for firefighters on the Upper Applegate Fire. The project focused on roadside hazard tree removal along Spencer Gulch Road, which ended up being parallel with the fire’s northern flank. The results of the sale removed thousands of dead trees and the safety concerns related to them. Spencer Gulch Road has been a critical access road for firefighters and is serving as a contingency fire line. BLM’s efforts to mitigate the dead trees have resulted in safer access for firefighters and provided a contingency fire line that would have limited acres on the fire if it pushed past temporary retardant lines.
Numerous agencies responded to this fire alongside ODF and Applegate Rural Fire District initially, including the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Structure fire agencies from across Jackson and Josephine counties created four task forces to protect homes in the area; due to their fast response, not a single home was lost in this fire. Oregon State Fire Marshal also sent two additional structural task forces from Lane and Marion counties to relieve the local resources on Friday while wildland firefighters continued their work to line the fire and bring control to the incident. ODF would also like to recognize the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Emergency Management, the Redcross, the Expo, Jackson County Roads and all agencies involved that aided in the response and effort on this incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. This will be the final update on this incident unless conditions significantly change. For more fire information, including current fire regulations, visit our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or our website, www.swofire.com.
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