June 29, 2022
Due to High Temperatures and Dry Fuels, Fire Danger Level Increasing to Moderate on Friday
The change in restrictions will affect ODF Southwest Oregon District-protected lands.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “moderate” (blue) on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Please be aware that this level change means that additional fire restrictions for the public will be in effect. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level I (one).
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 Friday at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:
- Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed in areas clear of vegetation;
- Chainsaws 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, 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 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. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
- Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.
- 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 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
- 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;
Public fire restrictions currently in effect, 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 forestland.
- 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.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’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.
June 28, 2022
LA GRANDE, Ore. – While Spring 2022 has brought more precipitation than the previous few years, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is seeing vegetation drying occurring across the Northeast Oregon District. Fuel conditions are changing rapidly as the summer weather pattern sets in. This change in weather conditions has prompted ODF to begin fire season on private forest lands in northeast Oregon.
FIRE SEASON will begin at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 1 for forest and range lands protected by ODF Northeast Oregon District. “We’ve seen a little reprieve this spring and early summer. Fire Season has been announced in June for the past few years, so it’s been good to have some delay this year.” Said Matt Howard, District Forester.
The fire season declaration places fire prevention restrictions on landowners and public. Additionally, fire prevention regulations on industrial logging and forest management activities are put into place. Lands affected include 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.
Howard states “Those spring storms have provided some much-needed moisture. However, this moisture has caused a lot of growth in our fine fuels, such as grasses, small brush, and shrubs. These are often our carrier fuels and are more susceptible to quickly drying and becoming ready-to-burn faster.”
During Fire Season:
- Debris burning is by permit only. To obtain a burn permit for a debris pile or burn barrel, please call your local ODF office.
Baker City Sub-Unit: (541) 523-5831, La Grande Unit: (541) 963-3168, Pendleton Unit: (541) 276-3491, Wallowa Unit: (541) 886-2881
- The use of exploding targets, tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.
- Logging and other industrial operations must meet requirements for fire prevention, such as fire tools, water supply, and watchman service when those operations are occurring on lands protected by ODF. Contact your local Stewardship Forester at any NEO District office for more information.
- Campfires must be DEAD OUT! Recreationists are reminded that campfires need to be attended and fully extinguished before being left. Get permission from the landowner prior to starting a campfire.
- The use of Sky Lanterns is always illegal in Oregon.
For information on restrictions across the Northeast Oregon District, dial: (541) 975-3027 or visit www.bmidc.org, for current information on fire restrictions.
To report a fire, dial 9-1-1.
Make sure you know the fire restrictions before you head out. Check with your local Forest Service office for fire regulations on National Forest land, or BLM office for lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Information on Public-Use Restrictions on the Oregon Department of Forestry, Umatilla National Forest and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest can be found at http://bmidc.org/index.shtml under Current Information: Fire Restrictions.
June 24, 2022
Prineville, Ore. – The Dalles and John Day units of Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will enter fire season at 12:01 a.m., June 27, 2022. This declaration includes private and non-federal public lands in Hood River, Wasco, Grant, Wheeler, Gilliam, Harney, and Morrow counties protected by ODF; the Prineville-Sisters Unit (Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties) declared fire season June 13, 2022.
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 are prohibited, except in Hood River County where the Burn Ban will go into effect on July 1, 2022. In addition to these restrictions forest operations are required to follow the following prevention guidelines:
- firefighting tools and fire extinguishers on-site
- power saws must be equipped with a spark arrester and additional restrictions must be followed during use
- vehicles used in the operation must have a firefighting tool and fire extinguisher
- fire truck/water wagon on site
- fire watch
A full description of all Fire Season 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 addition to the on-set of Fire Season in The Dalles Unit, MH-4 (west of Hwy 35 in Hood River County) and MH-1 (east of Hwy 35 in Hood River and Wasco counties) will move into Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1. Included in these restrictions is the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any forest operation unless in compliance with all fire prevention requirements (ORS Chapter 477 and OAR Chapter 629 Divisions 41 to 43). A one-hour fire watch is required after all forest operations, unless waived.
Recent cool, moist weather is transitioning to warmer temperatures with limited potential for precipitation in the forecast. This seasonal weather pattern, combined with existing long-term drought conditions increases the risk of rapid fire spread. The Central Oregon District will implement Regulated-Use Closure, intended to reduce potential wildfire starts by restricting activities associated with fire ignitions.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2022, the following restrictions will be in effect:
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.
- Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas. The use of portable appliances such as camp stoves and fire pits using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation. The following is required where open fires and appliances are allowed; one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher.
- Chainsaw use is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.
- Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At all other times the area is to be cleared of flammable vegetation and the following fire equipment is required: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher in good working order.
- Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner upon their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood.
- Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.
- Mowing of dried grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
- Use of fireworks is prohibited.
- Blasting is prohibited.
- Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed be 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.
Additional restrictions, a map, and the official proclamation can be found at www.Oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
June 22, 2022
The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), the Umpqua National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District have announced that the 2022 fire season will officially begin Friday, June 24th at 12:01 AM. All private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District as well as the public lands within the Umpqua National Forest and Roseburg District BLM are included in the fire season declaration, which imposes certain fire restrictions on the public and industrial operators to help prevent wildfires.
In addition to the declaration of fire season the DFPA will implement Public Use Restrictions Friday, and the BLM Roseburg District will issue a Fire Prevention Order for BLM-administered lands. Public use restrictions will be assessed later for the Umpqua National Forest. These fire prevention restrictions are put in place to ensure fire prone activities do not start wildfires.
The following fire prevention measures will be in effect:
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and at other designated locations.
- Backyard debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.
- Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated sites.
BLM designated sites: Susan Creek Campground, Tyee Campground, Scaredman Campground, Eagleview Campground and Cavitt Creek Campground.
Douglas County Parks designated sites: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground.
Private Campgrounds: Seven Feathers RV Resort and Umpqua Riverfront RV Park & Boat Ramp.
- Charcoal and pellet BBQs are only allowed at fully developed and maintained residential home sites when used in areas that are free of flammable vegetation. A charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere.
- The use of fireworks, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition is prohibited. In addition, the use of sky lanterns is prohibited year-round in Oregon.
- Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. This restriction is waived on private lands during low fire danger or when vehicles are used for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. In addition, each vehicle with three or more wheels traveling on forest roads must have an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. Motorcycles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
- 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 be operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The following restrictions are based on the official fire danger for the Douglas District, which can be found online at www.dfpa.net or by calling DFPA’s 24-hour information line at (541) 672-0379:
- The use of power saws for non-industrial purposes are allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, non-industrial power saw use is prohibited. Each power saw is required to have a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity immediately available. In addition, a one-hour fire watch is required following the use of each saw. On BLM managed lands in the Roseburg District, the use of non-industrial power saws or other equipment with internal combustion engines used for felling, bucking, skidding, or wood cutting is prohibited.
- The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal for non-industrial purposes is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, the cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited. These activities can only be conducted in an area free of flammable vegetation and a charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available. The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited on BLM managed lands in the Roseburg District.
- The cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, the cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried or cured grass is prohibited. The culture and harvest of agricultural crops is exempt from this requirement.
- Any non-industrial improvement or development taking place on private property that utilizes power driven machinery may operate all day during LOW fire danger. These activities are permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, these activities are prohibited unless a waiver has been issued. Each piece of power-driven machinery working is required to have a shovel and a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour once the equipment has completed work for the day.
The declaration of fire season also means the start of industrial fire regulations. On Friday, the entire Douglas District and the Umpqua National Forest will go into Industrial Fire Precaution Level I (one). During IFPL I, smoking is prohibited while working on, or traveling through an industrial operation. In addition, specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be on site and ready for use at all industrial operations and a fire watch is required once work has completed for the day.
Additional fire restrictions or closures may be in place through private industrial landowners or other public land management agencies on the lands they own or manage. For more information about public and industrial fire restrictions, visit the following sites:
June 13, 2022
The Dalles, Ore. – Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires across Oregon, already accounting for seventy percent of the fires this year in the Central Oregon District. These fires damage natural resources and threaten homes and communities. Oregon Department of Forestry’s The Dalles Unit closed burning of forest slash in April and burning of debris piles in Wasco County closed on May 15 to help reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.
Wasco County and fire districts within, will be implementing a county wide burn ban effective June 15, 2022. This ban includes open burning such as yard debris and burn barrels and is intended to prevent wildfires. Hood River County plans to implement their seasonal burn ban July 1, 2022. Burn bans are imposed based on current conditions, long-term forecasts, as well as historic weather patterns and fuel conditions.
Fire managers welcome the recent rain, but caution landowners that warm temperatures and dry periods quickly dry fine vegetative fuel, making it receptive to fire starts. Fire burning in these fine fuels quickly spreads to both live vegetation and larger fuels which have low fuel moisture due to underlying long-term drought conditions. Any landowner who has burned this spring should revisit their burn site to ensure there is no fire or heat remaining, which could spread to adjacent fuels as seasonal weather returns. It is not uncommon for piles that were burned months ago to have residual heat in them that can cause big problems. Warm temperatures, combined with wind can easily rekindle piles and spread embers outside a burn area.
“We are concerned that recent rain will give landowners a false sense of the risks involved with burning at this time,” says Kristin Dodd, The Dalles Unit Forester.
Alternatives to burning, such as chipping or disposal at a local landfill are encouraged. If burning is the only option, cover the material and plan to burn later this fall after fire season ends and fall rains have reduced the potential for wildfires.
Counties and local fire departments may have additional restrictions in place. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
June 9, 2022
Prineville, Ore. – The Prineville-Sisters Unit of Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will enter fire season at 12:01 a.m., June 13, 2022. Lands protected by ODF in Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties are affected by this declaration, this includes private and non-federal public lands. ODF protected lands in The Dalles and John Day units are not included at this time.
“We are monitoring conditions closely across the other units of the Central Oregon District so we can implement Fire Season and other restrictions to prevent wildfires and protect natural resources,” explains Gordon Foster, Assistant District Forester.
Implementation of Fire Season is determined by monitoring fuel conditions, fire behavior, long term weather forecasts, and fire activity in the area. Underlying long term drought conditions in central Oregon have not been mitigated by recent rainstorms. Light fuels quickly dry in windy and warm conditions, increasing the rapid spread of fire.
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 are prohibited. In addition to these restrictions forest operations are required to follow the following prevention guidelines:
• firefighting tools and fire extinguishers on-site
• power saws must be equipped with a spark arrester and additional restrictions must be followed during use
• vehicles used in the operation must have a firefighting tool and fire extinguisher
• fire truck/water wagon on site
• fire watch
A full description of all Fire Season 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.
Counties and local fire departments may have additional restrictions in place. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
May 27, 2022
This Declaration Affects 1.8 Million Acres of Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-Protected Lands.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. – Fire season on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District begins Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. The fire danger level will be “Low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one). Lands affected by this declaration include 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Following a warm and dry start to the year, April and May brought more typical spring-like patterns and precipitation to southern Oregon and helped in decreasing the amount of fire starts. Year to date, our firefighters have responded to 25 fires for a total of 22 acres burned; these statistics tell a much different story than last year, when during the same timeframe, we had responded to 89 fire starts totaling 120 acres. While temperatures and conditions haven’t yet become consistently warm and sunny, fuels are primed to burn, and years of drought have contributed to an increased fire risk. For these reasons, fire season is being declared at this time.
Beginning Wednesday, the burning of debris piles and the use of burn barrels for burning debris will no longer be allowed in Jackson and Josephine counties. Even with recent rains, landowners are encouraged to check their previously burned piles from this spring and confirm that they have been extinguished.
In low fire danger, the following activities are prohibited:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
- No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestland.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, and on private land with the landowner’s permission. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used as well.
- 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.
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.
May 19, 2022
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) aviation unit held their annual multi-mission aircraft training this week (May 16-20) in Salem, Oregon. This opportunity gives the department a chance to train personnel who will help with wildfire detection using the ODF-owned Partenavia P-68 Observer.
The Partenavia has had many uses in the last 40 years, but its most recent function is as the platform for ODF’s nighttime detection work. It is equipped with a FLIR infrared camera system that is paired with an augmented reality mapping system.
During fire season, the Partenavia will fly at night to easily detect wildfires started by lightning. During their time in the air, the observer, or camera operator, in the plane will look for hot spots using the infrared camera on the bottom of the plane.
“The accuracy of the Partenavia’ s FLIR infrared camera system allows for the observer to detect fires as small as a campfire from 12,000 feet in the air,” Jamie Knight, Aviation Operations Specialist, said. “Once a wildfire is detected, the observer can pin the location and alert nearby fire protection agencies so that they may quickly respond to the fire.”
Aside from detecting smaller fires, the Partenavia is also used as “eyes in the sky” for larger incidents. Once over the fire, the observer can provide a high-level view of a fire and report to the firefighters on the ground about the progress and any increases in fire behavior.
During the summer months, the aircraft is centrally based in Redmond to allow access to the entire state. Using the Partenavia as a detection tool is just one of the ways that ODF works to prevent larger wildfires.
May 9, 2022
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry and other fire prevention experts urge the public to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. The drought conditions this year put Oregon at a higher risk of wildfire.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, which is a great time to trim trees, bushes, and tidy up plants around your home that could catch fire. This is what we call creating a “defensible space” around your home and property. As you begin spring clean-up, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Keep Oregon Green urge you to consider alternatives to burning.
Preferable options aside from burning include composting or recycling. Check with your local disposal company for recycling options. You can also cover a part of the pile with plastic to keep it dry until the fall when it’s safer to burn. Delaying your burn plans will give the debris more time to cure and avoids spring holdover fires as fire risk increases with hotter, drier weather.
“We expect this year to be another dry fire season, so the more we can reduce human-caused fires the better,” said Mike Shaw, Fire Protection Division Chief. “Fire prevention is something that all Oregonians should have at the forefront of their mind. Humans cause the majority of Oregon’s fires, but they can also prevent them.”
Seventy percent of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused fires, with debris burning being the number one cause. By waiting to burn or taking extra steps to control a fire, Oregon can significantly reduce the risk of creating a large wildfire.
If burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices. The following tips can help stop run-away burn piles:
- Call before you burn – Burning regulations vary by location depending on the weather and fuel conditions. If you are planning to burn, check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry district, fire protective association, fire department, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit.
- Know the weather – Burn early in the day and never burn on dry or windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily.
- Clear a 10-foot fuel-free buffer around the pile – Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above
- Keep burn piles small – Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Keep piles small, maximum of four feet by four feet. Add debris to the pile in small amounts as the pile burns.
- Always have water and fire tools nearby – When burning, have a charged water hose or a bucket of water, and shovel on hand to put out the fire. Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is out cold.
- Stay with the fire until it is out cold – State laws requires monitoring of debris burn piles from start to finish until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the fire can be put out quickly.
- Recheck burn piles. They can retain heat for several weeks and restart when the weather warms up and winds blow.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire.
- Burn only yard debris – State laws prohibit burning materials or trash that create dense smoke or noxious odors.
- Costs of run-away debris burns– State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs, as well as the damage to your neighbors’ properties. This can be extremely expensive.
More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green website. Find public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands before your burn.
April 22, 2022
SALEM, Ore. – This weekend the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will welcome back 21 of its firefighters who’ve been fighting wildfires across the state of Texas for the past two weeks. At the same time, the agency will send another 11 to Texas for two more weeks. Seventeen other ODF firefighters have been in New Mexico since April 18 helping that state in their wildfire suppression efforts. That group is expected back around May 2.
The firefighters went to Texas and New Mexico under mutual assistance agreements between the states. When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, such as during this cool April, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high levels of wildfire. Oregon can and has called on those same states to send firefighters and equipment when wildfires here exceed local capacity. Most recently, Oregon gratefully welcomed 33 firefighters and 15 engines from various states who came to help battle the Bootleg fire, which ended up being the state’s third largest wildfire of the past century. During the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, more than 7,500 personnel from 39 states—including both New Mexico and Texas—and multiple Canadian provinces answered Oregon’s call for help.
“Fire is a family. We’re ready to help whenever we receive the call from one of our partner states,” said Mike Shaw, ODF’s Fire Protection Division Chief. “But know that we don’t give these resources lightly. Before committing to any deployment, we make sure that our own fire management system is prepared and ready to respond to fires here in Oregon.”
So why does Oregon send resources to help other states? Through these mutual assistance agreements with other states, including Alaska and NW Canadian territories, states can share resources with one another, creating a larger, comprehensive fire management system.
“We call this the complete and coordinated fire system,” Shaw explained. “The relationships built through our assistance in other states benefit Oregon when our fire season hits its peak.”
Ron Graham, Deputy Chief of Operations for ODF’s Fire Protection Division, said, “The hope is that if we help them, they will then come and help us when our resources become strained, creating a cache of reciprocal resources for all of us to call on when needed.”
April 22, 2022
Joint news release with Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group
Fire season is looming. And while a mix of unusually cool and warm weather systems have seemingly captured all four seasons during the month of April, fire weather forecasters are predicting an early start to fire season in the Pacific Northwest. With the window of opportunity quickly closing, now is the ideal time to create defensible space around your home before fire season arrives.
As you begin spring clean-up, the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG) encourages you to consider chipping or recycling your yard debris. If burning is the only option to dispose of woody material, safety needs to be your first priority: escaped debris burns are the leading human cause of wildfires. These burns are particularly common in the spring and fall when people assume conditions are OK.
“The best rule of thumb,” says Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields, “is to check the conditions and not the calendar.” Fields cautioned that a fire can spread out of control any time of year given the right conditions. “All it takes is a few warm days to dry out the fine fuels, like grass and brush, to prime the landscape for wildfire.”
And wind only amplifies the risk. PNWCG fire officials say the majority of escaped debris burn fires take place during windy conditions.
“Even the safest of yard debris burns can get away,” says Angie Lane from Washington Department of Natural Resources. “One of the most common issues is when days or weeks after the fire is out, a warm, windy day will breathe life into an old pile and rekindle it back to life.” Lane says if you have already burned this spring to be sure and return to the site periodically and make sure that there is no heat or smoke coming from the pile.
Fire officials offer these additional simple safety tips that will help prevent unnecessary escaped debris fires.
- Call before you burn. Burning regulations are not the same in all areas and can vary with weather and fuel conditions. If you’re planning to burn, check with your forestry office, fire district, or air protection authority to learn if there are any current burning restrictions in effect, and whether a permit is required.
- Place yard debris in an open area away from structures, trees and power lines.
- Create small piles (4 feet by 4 feet) to better manage the burn.
- Cover portions of piles for later. Only have a narrow weather window before the rains come? Cover portions of piles with a tarp or polyethylene plastic (landscape material) to keep a portion dry for lighting later. When conditions improve, check with your local fire agency for any regulations in place.
- Never burn under windy conditions.
- Never use gasoline or other accelerants (flammable or combustible liquids) to start or increase your open fire. Every year, 10 to 15 percent of all burn injuries treated at the Oregon Burn Center in Portland are the result of backyard debris burning.
- To keep the fire in place, scrape the area around your pile down to bare soil at least 3 feet out on all sides. Fire needs fuel to burn and spread. If the surrounding fuel is eliminated, so are the chances of a fire escaping.
- Keep a shovel and turned-on hose nearby to manage the burn in case it escapes.
- Make sure the pile is completely out (no embers or smoldering) before leaving.
- Return periodically over several weeks to make sure the pile is still out. The pile should have no heat, no smoke. Spring pile burns that were not completely put out have been known to smolder and ignite months later.
- Burn only yard debris. Organic materials like leaves, sticks, and branches are the only things that should be in your piles. Environmental quality regulations prohibit the open burning of any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors.
Remember: Escaped debris burns are costly. State laws require the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires any time of year and come with a sizable fine if not in compliance. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you could be responsible for the cost to put it out and very likely the damage to neighboring properties. This can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.
March 21, 2022
PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District is accepting applications from landowners interested in completing fuel reduction projects around their homes. The intent of the projects is to reduce the potential of wildfire spreading to structures and to improve ingress/egress routes in the wildland-urban interface, specifically Juniper Canyon residents in Crook County, DRRH 1-5 & 9 in the La Pine area of Deschutes County, and Crooked River Ranch in Jefferson and Deschutes counties. Funding for these projects comes from the $5 million grant program established by Senate Bill 762 legislation which focuses on creating fire-adapted communities through fuels reduction of hazardous fuels on small forestlands.
Specific treatments within these project areas which are eligible for cost-share incentives include thinning of overstocked and diseased juniper and pine stands, pruning limbs on residual trees, mastication of brush and small trees, and chipping materials or burning piles onsite to remove the excess woody debris. Landowners must provide a 25% match for work completed. This match can come through in-kind labor (work performed by the landowner). Historically underserved populations, including elderly and lower income applicants, will receive priority consideration for their applications. Additionally, Oregon Department of Forestry will be providing chipping opportunities for all landowners in these communities.
These communities were identified as a high priority for fuel reduction based on fuel loading, fire frequency and the ability to create contiguous treatment areas with adjacent stand management work on larger private ownership and federally managed lands. Reducing fire hazards across ownership at a landscape level increases the ability to slow wildfire spread, allowing firefighters to suppress fires quickly with less damage within communities and to natural resources.
Landowners who are interested in applying for cost-share for fuel reduction on their property or who would like to having chipping work completed to dispose of vegetative materials can visit https://odfcentraloregongrantinformation.blogspot.com/ for more information or contact Ross Huffman (541-549-2731) for work in Crooked River Ranch or DRRH 1-5 & 9 or Kody Johannsen for work in Juniper Canyon.
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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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October 5, 2021
COOS BAY, Ore. – The Coos Forest Protective Association is declaring an end to their local fire season and dropping industrial fire precaution restrictions starting Wednesday, Oct. 6. The Association provides fire protection on private and state forestland in Curry and Coos counties.
Oct. 6 is the same day that the Douglas Forest Protective Association based in Roseburg ends fire season for lands it protects in Douglas County.
Recent rains in both districts have reduced fire danger to low as have shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures. District officials caution that people should still exercise care when planning any outdoor burning as fires can escape control even outside of fire season.
Although fire danger levels have dropped around most of western Oregon, fire season remains in effect in the Southwest Oregon ODF district covering Josephine and Jackson counties, and in districts east of the Cascades pending further improvement in their local fire-risk conditions.
October 4, 2021
VENETA, Ore. – Three Oregon Department of Forestry districts are declaring an end to their local fire season and dropping industrial fire precaution restrictions starting Tuesday, Oct. 5. The three are West Oregon, Western Lane and South Cascade districts serving Lane, Benton, Lincoln, Polk, and the southern part of Linn and Yamhill counties. ODF’s Northwest Oregon and North Cascade District ended their fire season on Oct. 1.
Recent rains in the districts have reduced fire danger to low as have shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures. District officials caution that people should still exercise care when planning any outdoor burning as fires can escape control even outside of fire season.
Although fire danger levels have dropped around most of Oregon, fire season remains in effect in all other ODF districts pending further improvement in their local fire-risk conditions.
September 30, 2021
ASTORIA, Ore. – As soaking rains have lowered fire danger, Oregon Department of Forestry officials in the North Cascade and Northwest Oregon districts are the first statewide to declare the end of fire season as of Friday, Oct. 1. This covers ODF-protected lands in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Washington and northern Yamhill counties as well as Clackamas, Marion, northern Linn and eastern Multnomah counties. All other ODF districts around the state remain in fire season.
Recreationists will no longer be required to carry a shovel and fire extinguisher or one gallon of water. Regardless of time of year, ODF encourages everyone to be safe with fire in the forest. Always extinguish campfires with water and stirring with a shovel until cool to the touch before leaving the area.
With the end of fire season in Northwest Oregon, logging operations are no longer subject to fire protection laws, such as maintaining fire equipment at logging sites. This area includes all State, private and BLM forest lands in Northwest Oregon, which includes the areas served by ODF offices in Astoria, Columbia City, Forest Grove and Tillamook. Burning of logging slash however does require a burning permit.
In Clatsop County, the Clatsop County Fire Defense Board has lifted its countywide burn ban. If you live within a local fire district, please contact your local fire department to inquire about burn permits.
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