Salem, OR – The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC), which oversees the landowner-funded Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund, recently voted unanimously to allocate $1,412,000 to seven projects proposed by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Coos Forest Protective Association and Douglas Forest Protective Association to improve Oregon’s fire protection system.
The strategic investments will help fund:
Three detection cameras and a microwave-communication link to optimize camera functionality for Coos Forest Protective Association.
Two guard stations in ODF’s Klamath-Lake District to assure rapid response to fires in remote areas.
One grappler dozer for more effective containment of wildfires in ODF’s Central Oregon District.
FireWeb dispatch software licensing to continue Douglas Forest Protective Association’s dispatch improvement efforts
Mobile communication and cache trailers to support incident response in eastern Oregon
A new modular building to provide the space needed for ODF Southwest Oregon District’s detection center.
“The EFCC appreciates the leadership efforts of the Oregon Department of Forestry and Forest Protective Associations to identify projects that will enhance Oregon’s wildfire protection system,” said Brennan Garrelts, chair of the EFCC.
“Landowner-funded investments in critical projects like these bolster Oregon’s ability to detect fires early and respond to them quickly to put them out while they are small, saving Oregon communities from months of unhealthy air quality, evacuations and devastating loss of life and property,” Garrelts said. “Private landowners remain committed to Oregon’s unique public-private firefighting partnership that helps make it the most effective wildland firefighting system in the world.”
The Wildfire Protection Act, passed during the 2013 Legislative Session, allows the EFCC to commit funds from landowner protection assessments to strategic projects aimed at enhancing wildfire suppression efforts. Since the passage of that legislation, the EFCC has committed $2,893,096 to a variety of improvements, including upgrading a state-owned aircraft with infrared detection technology. That multi-mission aircraft detected 56 fires this summer alone. Strategic investments like this help the Oregon Department of Forestry better protect Oregon’s forests and communities.
Prineville, Ore. – Oregon Department of Forestry’s John Day Unit will terminate Regulated-Use Closure at 12:01 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2022. These wildfire prevention measures were terminated for The Dalles and Prineville units on October 7. Fire Season remains in effect across the Central Oregon District.
“We caution the public to be mindful of activities which could start a fire as we continue to see unseasonably warm, dry weather this fall,” says Brian Reel, Stewardship Forester for The Dalles Unit. “While fire danger has lessened with cooler nights and increased humidity, we can still have rapidly spreading fires during the heat of the day.”
Wildland fuels, including live vegetation and down woody material are extremely dry. Limited precipitation, combined with long-term drought conditions continue to elevate the risk of fire ignition and increase fire behavior in wildland fuels. Fire managers regularly evaluate conditions to determine current fire danger and necessary restrictions to limit impacts from wildfires.
During Fire Season backyard debris burning, including burn barrels is allowed by permit only. Many counties have burn bans in place prohibiting debris burning at this time. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires.
Other activities prohibited during fire season include smoking in forest operation areas, blasting without a permit, use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition. In addition to these restrictions forest operations are required to follow prevention guidelines which are available at www.oregon.gov/odf. These guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of fire ignition, quickly detect fires, and allow for a swift suppression response.
Failure to follow Fire Season restrictions can result in citations, fines, and liability for costs associated with putting fires out. Wildfires impact public health, water quality, soil productivity, landowners, and local communities and businesses.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including Regulated-Use Closure restrictions and contact information, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
As of 12:01 am, September 30, 2022, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has terminated the Regulated-Use Closure or Public Use Restrictions for forestlands protected by the Northeast Oregon District. Due to moderating weather and precipitation, the closure and the associated fire prevention restrictions are no longer necessary. Justin Lauer, Pendleton Unit Forester, cautions “Recent cooler weather and precipitation has been welcomed across the region, however, it’s important to stay aware of how quickly conditions can change. A warm or breezy day can dry the lighter fuels out and we can quickly be back into a dangerous fire situation.”
While Public Use fire restrictions have eased, Fire Season remains in effect for private, state, county, municipal and tribal lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry. Burn permits are required for debris burning and burn barrels. Making sure that campfires are always attended is a good step towards fire safety. Ensure the fire is dead out before leaving.
The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa, and small portions of Grant, Morrow, and Malheur counties.
Here is a reminder of the restrictions that will be in place for moderate fire danger:
Permit Required for all open debris burning and use of burn barrels.
Contact your local ODF office as listed below to inquire about a permit.
Campfires for recreational and/or cooking purposes are allowed.
Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required; a shovel or other firefighting tool, a minimum of 1 gallon of water, or 2 ½ pounds or larger fire extinguisher, and a fire watch at least one hour after extinguishing.
Use of exploding targets.
Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.
Fire restrictions may differ on lands protected by rural fire departments or lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. Check local regulations before burning. More information on fire restrictions can be found the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at https://www.bmidc.org.
For more information on fire prevention restrictions in the Northeast Oregon District call: (541)975-3027
For further information, call your local ODF office:
La Grande Unit (541)963-3168
Baker City Sub-Unit (541)523-5831
Wallowa Unit (541)886-2881
Pendleton Unit (541)276-3491
To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963-7171, or dial 9-1-1.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – Continued widespread rain and more in the forecast has made it possible to continue to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “moderate” (blue), and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will decrease to I (one) in Jackson and Josephine Counties.
For public use, restrictions on chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being further relaxed, allowing the use of equipment on until 1:00 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily.
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 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.
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 using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations clear of vegetation.
Motorized vehicles 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.
Chain saws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws 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 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate 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 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high moderate danger. 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 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate 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.
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
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – Recent rain and continued precipitation in the forecast has prompted the fire danger level to decrease. On Monday, September 19, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the fire danger on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties will decrease to “high” (yellow). This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at II (two).
This change in the fire danger level allows for the use of power-driven equipment again, 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 allowed before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. every day. 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 forestlands
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 using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations
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
Chain saws 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, chain saws 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. 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
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 public 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.
PRINEVILLE , Ore. – As of 12:01 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2022, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will terminate the additional restrictions fire precaution order for industrial operations within the John Day and Prineville Units. All other Fire Season restrictions remain in effect for industrial operations. More information for these restrictions is available at www.oregon.gov/odf. These guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of fire ignition, quickly detect fires, and allow for a swift suppression response.
In conjunction with the termination of additional precautions, fire danger for the John Day Unit will move to HIGH on Friday. “It’s still Fire Season,” says John Day Unit Forester, “but this cooler weather really seems to have made a difference in how fuels are burning.” The public is reminded to remain vigilant in their actions to prevent wildfires.
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels in The Dalles Unit remain unchanged. MH-1 (located east of Highway 35 in Hood River and Wasco counties) is in IFPL 3 and MH-4 (located west of Highway 35 in Hood River County) is in IFPL 2.
Fire Season and Regulated-Use Closure are in effect across the Central Oregon District. Fire behavior, fuel conditions, and forecasted weather are all considered when determining current fire risk and necessary wildfire prevention restrictions. Activities prohibited during fire season include smoking in forest operation areas, blasting without a permit, use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Backyard debris burning, including burn barrels is prohibited.
Counties and local fire departments may have additional restrictions in place. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires. Failure to follow Fire Season and Regulated-Use Closure restrictions can result in citations, fines, and liability for costs associated with putting the fire out. Wildfires impact public health, water quality, soil productivity, landowners, and local communities and businesses.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including Regulated-Use Closure restrictions and contact information, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind Oregonians that even with the weather starting to transition to fall, fire is still on the landscape and fire season is still in effect. Oregon is still experiencing severe drought in majority of the state, dry fuels, higher temperatures and low humidity, the department wants to warn the public against complacency.
“East wind events, like the one we experienced this past weekend, are very common around this time of year. There is still potential for more fire starts and the season isn’t over yet” Mike Shaw, Fire Protection Division Chief, said. “We are prepared for new fire starts; however, the less human caused fires we have, the less strained our resources will be.”
Even with lower temperatures, there is still potential for a fire to start and grow significantly. Thus far in the season, Oregonians have done a good job of keeping human-caused fires below the 10-year average. ODF encourages the public to keep up the good work and persist until the official end of fire season.
“With the temperature changes, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state of Oregon,” Levi Hopkins, Wildfire Prevention and Policy Manager, said.
Wildfire prevention means:
Debris burning is prohibited during fire season without a permit. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is over. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn late fall and winter.
Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced
Dispose of your cigarette using designated receptacles, and NEVER discard butts on the ground or in vegetation outdoors.
Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire.
Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently; however most of the state remains between moderate and extreme fire danger. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.
PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Recent cool weather across Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District is not an indication that fire season is over. These cooler temperatures and improved humidity recovery will moderate fire behavior, but significant rain is needed to lessen wildfire risk and lift prevention restrictions or end fire season.
The risk of rapid fire spread in all fuel types remains despite the transition to seasonable fall weather. Hot, dry conditions this summer fully cured dead and down fuels, and live vegetation had limited moisture, resulting in critical wildland fire potential.
“We are continuing to see new fires pop up, and we are still seeing larger fires burn aggressively”, explains Ben Duda, Prineville Unit Forester. “With all the fires on the landscape across Oregon we need to do what we can to let firefighting resources focus on those fires.”
Regulated-Use Closure and Fire Season are still in effect across the Central Oregon District. These restrictions are intended to reduce wildfire ignitions from high-risk activities. The Regulated-Use Closure prohibits mowing of dried grass and chainsaw use between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. as well as limiting motor vehicles and all-terrain vehicles to improved roads. Campfires are prohibited when Regulated-Use Closure is in effect.
Activities prohibited during fire season include smoking in forest operation areas, blasting without a permit, use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Backyard debris burning, including burn barrels is prohibited. In addition to these restrictions forest operations are required to follow prevention guidelines which are available at www.oregon.gov/odf. These guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of fire ignition, quickly detect fires, and allow for a swift suppression response.
Counties and local fire departments may have additional restrictions in place. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires.
Failure to follow Fire Season and Regulated-Use Closure restrictions can result in citations, fines, and liability for costs associated with putting the fire out. Wildfires impact public health, water quality, soil productivity, landowners, and local communities and businesses.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including Regulated-Use Closure restrictions and contact information, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
LA GRANDE, Ore. — There have been some inquiries on our current status of fire restrictions for ODF-protected lands. We are lowering our restrictions from extreme fire danger to high fire danger, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, September 15th. Weather conditions have moderated but our forest fuels remain critically dry. Our fire managers would like to remind everyone that lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry-Northeast Oregon District are still under Public Use Restrictions, and during this time we will not be issuing permits for open burning, debris piles, or burn barrels.
Here is a reminder of the restrictions that will be in place for high fire danger:
PROHIBITED:
All open debris burning and the use of burn barrels.
Open fires, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at designated locations.
Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
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 Noon-8 PM.
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 tools, 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.
Electric Chainsaws are allowed all day.
Use of fireworks.
Use of exploding targets.
Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Smoking while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or a cleared area free of flammable vegetation.
Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required for any vehicle/UTV/ATV traveling on unimprovedroadways, where flammable vegetation exists on roadway; shovel or other firefighting tools, minimum of 1 gallon of water, or 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
Mowing of dried and cured grass with power-driven equipment is prohibited from Noon-8 PM, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Electric string trimmers are allowed all day.
Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited Noon-8 PM. 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 tools, minimum of 1 gallon of water, or 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.
Fire restrictions are in place to help prevent human-caused wildfires. Please be sure to know the restrictions in the area, as they may differ on lands protected by other agencies. You can find up-to-date information for fire restrictions on all area forests by visiting www.bmidc.org or contacting the Oregon Department of Forestry-Northeast Oregon Fire Prevention Information Line for more information on ODF’s Public Use Restrictions: (541) 975-3027.
To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.
SALEM, Ore. — With hot, dry and windy conditions in the forecast, forestland in northwest Oregon protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry will be in Extreme Fire Danger as of 1 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with additional public restrictions on campfires and open flame, off-highway vehicle use, mowing dry grass, and other activities.
With this change, all ODF-protected lands will be in extreme fire danger. Fire danger and associated restrictions for all lands protected by ODF can be found on the ODF website at tiny.cc/odffirerestrictions.
Starting Friday in northwest Oregon, off-highway vehicle trails will be closed, campfires completely banned, and some forest roads will close to vehicle traffic. For northwest Oregon, this includes all ODF-protected lands in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Linn, Lincoln & Benton counties, including the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam state forests.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for northwest Oregon and southwest Washington starting 11 a.m. Friday through 11 p.m. Saturday, indicating critical fire conditions. The NWS is predicting a moderate-to-strong east wind event starting Friday and continuing through at least Saturday night. Historically, east winds and dry conditions in late summer have resulted in some of northwest Oregon’s largest wildfires, including the 2020 Labor Day fires.
Precautions such as these can prevent most wildfires:
Check current fire restrictions for the area before visiting: Under extreme fire danger in northwest Oregon, campfires are banned and off-highway vehicle trails are closed.
Check your vehicle for dragging tow chains that can send sparks into roadside vegetation.
Don’t park or idle on dry grass or brush – the hot exhaust system can set it smoldering in seconds.
Smoke only in an enclosed vehicle. Properly dispose of cigarette butts.
TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore. – As heat rises in the northwest corner of the state, fire managers increased the fire danger level to High (yellow) for recreationists in the Tillamook State Forest. This change took effect on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
All off-highway trails in the Tillamook State Forest will close at 1 p.m. daily during High (yellow) Fire Danger level. Additionally, all campfires and barbeques are prohibited in undesignated dispersed campsites across the forest.
With fire danger at high, campfires are only allowed across the Tillamook State Forest in designated metal fire rings at campgrounds and camping facilities managed by ODF.
Fireworks, exploding targets/tracer ammunition, sky lanterns are prohibited at all levels during fire season. To find public use restrictions on state forestland or any lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.
SALEM, Ore.— “Frankly, our people have been kicking butt,” said the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Tim Holschbach, Deputy Chief of Policy and Planning for the Fire Protection Division.
As of today, ODF Districts have suppressed 418 fires, and held them to 582 acres total. The 10-year average for this point in the fire season is 590 fires and 56,121 acres burned.
“Although there is a possibility for holdover fires from the recent lightning to add fires to the map, ODF’s firefighters have been doing a remarkable job keeping them small,” Holschbach said.
More people have been the key to knocking out fires on lands the department is responsible for protecting.
“Investments into the wildfire protection system from Senate Bill 762 allowed us to not only hire additional season firefighters to increase response, but also additional full-time positions to increase response capacity year-round,” said Holschbach. “I can’t say how many millions of dollars in firefighting costs we have saved by being able to quickly suppress these fires—keeping them small, off the landscape and out of our communities.”
A big part of putting out wildfires is detecting them early and a key part of that effort is the multi-mission aircraft (MMA) that is in its third season of operation. This unique aircraft was made possible through an investment from the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund—which consists of landowner dollars paid for fire protection each year.
“The MMA has state of the art thermal cameras that overlay that information through an augment reality mapping system,” said Jamie Knight, ODF State Aviation Operations Specialist. “This ‘eyes in the skies’ asset can then feed that information into a firefighting data base used state-wide called the State of Oregon Fire Situation Analyst system (SOFSA). Our dispatch centers around the state can see those maps and quickly send the best resources to attack the fire.”
Those resources can include ground-based firefighters and equipment, or one or more of the 27 aircraft on exclusive use contracts with the state. The mix of aircraft include eight tankers, five fixed wing detection/aerial supervision aircraft, along with 14 helicopters.
“We have one large tanker, typically based in Medford, Redmond, La Grande or Klamath Falls,” said Knight. “Five wheeled single engine aircraft that operate from smaller airfields like John Day and Prineville, and then we have two fire boss amphibious aircraft that can scoop up water from nearby lakes.”
The other 21 aircraft are based strategically at airfields around Oregon. Each fire district can request any available aircraft from around the state to aid in putting out fires. This aerial response is often key to reach hard to get at fires in remote areas.
“Our aircraft and other fighting equipment is decentralized to allow each of our fire districts to quickly respond to any fire,” said Holschbach. “But our most valuable asset is our people. They live and work in communities they protect, and they have been doing a great job this fire season.”
For more information on ODF’s firefighting efforts, visit ODF’s Wildfire Blog or follow them on ODF’s Facebook account.
NORTHWEST, Ore. – As the warmer weather increases the temperatures in the northwest corner of the state, fire managers will be increasing the fire danger level to High (yellow) for recreationists using the forests in the NW-2 and NW-3 weather zones. This change will be effective at 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16.
All OHV trails in the Nicolai Mountain OHV Riding Area will close at 1:00 pm daily during High (yellow) Fire Danger level. Additionally, all campfires and barbeques are prohibited in the dispersed campsites in the Nicolai OHV Area (Shingle Mill, Viewpoint, Kerry, Plympton) and Lost Lake.
In NW-2 and NW-3 under the fire danger level High (yellow): Campfires are only allowed in designated metal fire pits at the following locations: Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground, Gnat Creek Campground, Northrup Creek Horse Camp and Beaver Eddy sites in Clatsop County. For other campgrounds, check with the corresponding ODF office.
Burn barrels and residential campfires are not allowed in NW-2 and NW-3 under High (yellow).
Fireworks, exploding targets/tracer ammunition, sky lanterns are prohibited at all levels during fire season.
For up-to-date recorded information about fire season requirements, call 503-325-7215. To request a burning permit or obtain additional information, call 503-325-5451 during business hours.
EUGENE, Ore. – Fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Western Lane District and South Cascade District will increase to “high” (yellow) Saturday, August 6 at 12:01 a.m.
This escalation comes on the heel of recent lightning strikes that caused numerous fires across the Cascades in portions of Lane, Douglas, Deschutes and Klamath counties. With high temperatures and low relative humidity forecasted, the districts are implementing these public restrictions to reduce the risk of human-caused fires as we enter the heart of fire season.
The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Saturday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws, mowers, weed eaters, motor vehicle use around fuels, and more.
Other fire prevention regulations that are 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
Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations
Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited
Campfires are allowed only in designated sites approved by the forester. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations, with landowner approval
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may not be used on un-improved roads or off-road between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. The use of motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is allowed at all times on improved roads free of flammable vegetation
Chain saws may not be used between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws 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 a.m. and 8 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 charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available
The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. 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 a.m. and 8 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 charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available
LA GRANDE, Ore. – Conditions across the region have shifted to a much warmer and drier weather pattern as we reach the height of summer. This shift has prompted Oregon Department of Forestry-Northeast Oregon District to increase public use restrictions on lands protected by ODF, or Regulated Use Closure. The measurements that fire managers use to estimate seasonal fire severity are indicating extreme fire conditions across the region. “This year has been unique with a slow start to warmer and drier conditions. However, with the extreme heat this last week, the vegetation, and fuels have changed dramatically. It does not take long for a fire to ignite and carry with the drier fuels that we are seeing in the district. We must consider our options in reducing the number of preventable fires.” Said Matt Hoehna, Assistant District Forester.
Effective at 12:01 a.m. August 03, 2022, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has added additional restrictions to the Public Use Restrictions for lands within the Northeast Oregon District. This declaration places fire prevention restrictions on landowners and the public. The Regulated Use Closure affects private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in seven counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and small portions of Malheur, Grant, and Morrow Counties.
The Public Use Restrictions (Regulated Use Closure) Extreme include the following fire prevention measures:
Open fires are prohibited, even at designated campgrounds, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires.
Non-industrial use of chain saws is prohibited.
Internal combustion engine use, except for motor vehicles is prohibited.
Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area.
Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), is prohibited except on improved roads, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited.
Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited.
Use of fireworks is prohibited.
Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2 ) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Aside from these restrictions, also prohibited is the use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Debris burning is prohibited which includes burn piles and burn barrels.
These restrictions shall remain in effect until replaced, suspended, or terminated by additional proclamations. For further information, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at these local offices:
Current fire restrictions for forestlands in Northeast Oregon can be found at www.bmidc.org. The Northeast Oregon Fire Prevention line is (541) 975-3027.
The change in restrictions will affect ODF Southwest Oregon District-protected lands.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions, thunderstorms and numerous active fires in the region, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two). These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Beginning Tuesday morning at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:
The use of power saws is prohibited, excluding electric chainsaws.
The cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.
The mowing of dry or dead grass is prohibited.
The operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned above is prohibited.
The following fire prevention regulations are currently in effect and will remain in effect until the fire danger level drops significantly:
Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations.
Debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.
Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations clear of vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
Fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestland are prohibited.
Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s fire-safe instructions.
The use of exploding targets is prohibited.
The use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.
Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest
Oregon District.
Of all state employees, Clinton Weaver may have the best view from his office.
Clinton works as a Forest Lookout for the Oregon Department of Forestry just outside of Sisters, Oregon. He monitors the landscape as part of the integrated and comprehensive fire detection and monitoring program in the agency’s Central Oregon district. As he does, he looks west to the snow-capped peaks of the Three Sisters and Smith Rock State Park and Mt. Jefferson and their pine-clad slopes. To the east and south, he sees ponderosa pine forests stretching to the horizon amid volcanic hills.
“Life in a lookout tower, most of the time, is pretty boring,” Clinton joked. “I sit here from nine-thirty in the morning to six o’clock at night, on a normal day, and I look 360 degrees around at some of the most beautiful country in the world. But, it’s the same view every day.”
The lookout tower is one of several manned lookouts in Central Oregon. The U.S. Forest Service operates the other manned towers, and they are further complemented by a camera detection system monitored out of Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch center. Together they monitor the vast wilderness that surrounds communities that are home to more than 100,000 residents and thousands of visitors. Beyond the unique coverage area of each station, they can work in concert to triangulate smoke columns.
“Every once in a while, I will spot some smoke coming up somewhere and there’s a little bit of excitement – a little bit of interest – while I determine the location and report all of the appropriate information on the form, use the two-way radio to contact the dispatch, and they send resources.”
Lookouts report smoke detection to the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center in Redmond, Oregon. Suppression begins with the closest responding agency, which can be state, federal, tribal governments or local districts. This complete and coordinated response is a hallmark of Oregon’s fire suppression mission and is only possible with those agency and community partners.
As a former volunteer firefighter, Clinton knows very well the need for and advantage of spotting fires. “Fire detection is important because we need to catch fire early,” he said, “because the longer that the fire burns, the more damage it does and the harder it is to control when we eventually get there. So, if I can spot a fire five minutes before someone calls it in on 9-1-1, we may save who knows how many acres.”
That rapid detection and response is part of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s aggressive initial attack strategy. Detecting wildfires early and responding quickly minimizes damage to natural resources and property and ensures firefighter and public safety.
In recent years, agencies have begun transitioning lookout towers to smoke-detection camera stations, but even those system use trained human operators for confirmation. For now, Clinton and other Forest Lookouts get to perform this critical work with some of the best penthouse views in the state.
“I feel lucky to be up here. It’s a great job and important work,” said Clinton.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two) on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. This 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 Monday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws, 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. 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 forestlands
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 using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations
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
Chain saws 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, chain saws 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. 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
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 public 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.
Salem, OR – As of today, July 11, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that public use restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan on recreating to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Compared with previous years, this is a slightly delayed start to the season for the state. The heavy rains in May and June of this year have helped in that. However, ODF urges Oregonians to remain vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfire.
“Don’t be lulled into complacency because of the weather,” said Mike Shaw, Fire Protection Division Chief. “July and August historically have higher fire activity, and ODF is ready to respond, but we need the cooperation of Oregonians so we don’t strain our resources on fires that could have been avoided.”
A large concern for the agency are the ground fuels, like grass, that grew tall due to the spring rains but will dry out quickly, becoming a greater risk for human-caused fires. Those ground fuels will be able to catch fire easily and will then burn and spread quickly. Therefore, it is extremely important for Oregonians to continue to practice wildfire prevention this summer.
Wildfire prevention for Oregonians means:
Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat.
Go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
Don’t park your car over dried grass and make sure it is regularly maintained in order to reduce the risk of sparks.
Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a grass fire.
ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land from wildfire. Most districts start their fire season around May or June, and the season ends around the end of October. This year, the Southwest Oregon district was the first to declare on June 1, and the Northwest Oregon district was the last to declare on July 11.
For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org.
The North Cascade District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) entered fire season at 12:01 a.m., July 6, 2022. Lands protected by North Cascade District of ODF are affected by this declaration, which include private and non-federal public lands.
Districts decide when to start fire season based on fuel conditions, fire behavior, long term weather forecasts, and fire activity in the area. Activities prohibited during fire season, regardless of the fire danger level, include use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition and backyard debris burning, including in burn barrels.
A full description of all fire season restrictions is available at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire. Counties and local fire departments may have additional restrictions in place. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires.
Additionally, workers on forest operations are prohibited from smoking in operation areas and blasting without a permit. In addition to these restrictions, forest operations are required to follow specific prevention guidelines. These guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of fire starts, but also promote quick detection and swift response when fires do start.
