March 2, 2021
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon continues to be at the forefront in local communities working to reduce their risk of wildfire through the national Firewise program. A total of 182 communities across the state took action last year to lower their risk in a variety of projects from cutting brush to thinning overcrowded stands of trees, to clearing brush away from evacuation routes and promoting education and outreach. This places Oregon in second place nationally for number of Firewise communities.
Almost two dozen of those places were new Firewise communities. They were:
- Ashland – Glenn Vista Estates and Mill Pond Homeowners Association
- Bend – Boonesborough POA, Mountain High, Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village and Wyndemere
- Canyon City – Canyon Creek Lane
- Central Point – Jackson Oaks Neighborhood Association
- Culver – Forest Park Estates – Grandview
- Glendale – Old Booth Lane – Harrel Lane
- Grants Pass – Birdseye Cr., Board Shanty, Hugo/Hidden Pine Drive and Woodson Drive
- Jacksonville – Timber Ridge Homeowners Association
- Mill City – Dogwood Road
- Oakridge – Greater Oakridge-Westfir
- Portland – Linnton
- Shady Cove – Deerfield Park 1 and 2
- Sisters – Indian Ford Meadows East and Trout Creek Village
- Springfield – Wallace Creek
- West Linn – Skyline Ridge Neighborhood
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s National Fire Plan Coordinator, Jenna Trentadue, who manages the Firewise program in Oregon said, “Staff in our local ODF offices partner with fire departments to work with communities across the state to organize projects or activities that reduce wildfire risk. Through this process, those communities become designated as Firewise.”
To achieve the designation, communities must have at least eight participating dwelling units and conduct at least one event or activity related to reducing fire risk. Firewise is a nationwide program of the National Fire Protection Association.
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November 6, 2020
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – After 190 days, fire season ends today, Friday, November 6, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District. Lands affected by this declaration include state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties totaling 1.8 million acres.
This marks the second longest fire season on record on the Southwest Oregon District, only nine days fewer than the longest recorded season from 1988. The preliminary totals for the season show ODF firefighters tackling 220 wildland fires, totaling roughly 40,494 acres. This total fire count does not even include the number of alarms firefighters responded to related to fire restriction violations, assisting our local partners, and smoke chases throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties; crews responded to more than 1,400 calls for service that did not result in fire suppression.
The season began with dry conditions on May 1, 2020, prompting an earlier start than most years. However, it wasn’t until late July that the first large fire of the season broke out on the district. The Worthington fire was first reported on July 30, burning 761 acres five miles northeast of Eagle Point. It was followed by the Grizzly Creek fire a mile north of Howard Prairie Lake; that fire was caught at 325 acres.
Up until September, these were the largest fires on the district, and less than 1,000 acres had been burned by 162 fires. September 8, 2020 presented firefighters and residents of the Rogue Valley alike with an unprecedented fire event. The Almeda, South Obenchain and Slater fires all broke out on the same day, fueled by an east wind event typically only experienced once every 20 years. The loss of lives, homes and structures will forever be remembered by fire crews.
ODF as an organization was also challenged in a different way this fire season; COVID-19 presented risks to our firefighters and general staff that created an added hurdle to an already difficult and often stressful time. Safety is always a top priority in the agency, and preventative measures were added to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the district and at fire camps. By following CDC guidelines, including social distancing, wearing masks and sanitizing often, cases were kept at a minimum; According to the Northwest Coordinating Center, there were seven confirmed positive cases of COVID among firefighting resources assigned to Type 1 or Type 2 incidents in the Northwest Region (Oregon and Washington) this fire season. At the peak of the recent firefighting efforts, there were nearly 8,000 people assigned to fires in the region.
Despite the difficulties encountered this year, overall, 97-percent of all ODF Southwest fires were held at ten acres or less. We accredit this not only to our aggressive initial attack and well-trained team, but our countless partners throughout our region that have helped to make this season a success.
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, many structural fire agencies require permits for debris burning; please check with your local fire department to obtain any necessary permits before burning.
While fire season is over, fire prevention must continue. Please be vigilant while burning debris, making sure 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.
While fire season has officially come to a close, we are still here to help. Fire prevention tips and additional information is available online at www.swofire.com, our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
November 5, 2020
TUALATIN, Ore. — Nonindustrial private forest landowners in 13 Oregon counties hit hard by wildfires have until the end of the year to submit applications to the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) for grants to address wildfire damage, according to an announcement this week by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director Josh Hanning.
The counties where landowners are eligible to apply are Lake, Klamath, Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Lane, Linn, Marion, Clackamas, Washington, Lincoln, Tillamook and Wasco.
EFRP provides payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land to enable the owners to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster. EFRP signup began Nov. 3 and ends on Dec. 31, 2020.
“It is important that producers apply for EFRP assistance timely because program funds will be allocated based on the number of applications received as well as by on-site inspections that will determine the extent of the damage,” said SED Hanning. “I encourage eligible landowners who haven’t participated in FSA programs to contact the County FSA office as soon as possible because FSA records will have to be created for these individuals.”
After applications are received, local FSA county committees determine land eligibility using on-site damage inspections that assess the type and extent of damage and approve applications.
Eligible forest restoration practices include debris removal, such as down or damaged trees, in order to establish a new stand or provide natural regeneration; site preparation, planting materials and labor to replant forest land; restoration of forestland roads, fire lanes, fuel breaks or erosion control structures; fencing, tree shelters and tree tubes to protect trees from wildlife damage; and wildlife enhancement to provide cover openings and wildlife habitat.
In order to meet eligibility requirements, NIPF land must have existing tree cover or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and be sustainable for growing trees. The land must also be owned by any nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation or other private legal entity that has definitive decision-making authority over the land. The natural disaster must have resulted in damage that if untreated would impair or endanger the natural resources on the land and/or materially affect future use of the land.
For more information please visit farmers.gov/recover.
October 27, 2020
SALEM, Ore. – Oregonians in forested areas may see smoke from a number of controlled burns – known as prescribed burns – this fall and winter. Forest landowners use the burns to eliminate woody fuels that build up on their land from forest thinning and after timber harvests.
This year’s fall burning season coincides with a rise in COVID-19 cases in Oregon. Smoke may worsen symptoms for people coping with compromised health or lung function due to COVID-19. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) current smoke rules minimize smoke from entering certain populated cities and areas known as Smoke Sensitive Receptor Areas (SSRAs).
ODF Smoke Management Program Manager Nick Yonker says, “To protect people with impaired lung function due to COVID-19, we’ve coordinated with the Oregon Health Authority to ensure that during the pandemic we will govern prescribed burns in counties experiencing higher levels of COVID-19 under older, tighter smoke regulations. Those define any amount of smoke from a prescribed burn into an SSRA as an intrusion. We will forecast to avoid any smoke from prescribed burning from entering an SSRA in those counties.”
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and partner agencies monitor smoke levels and air quality across the state. DEQ’s Air Quality Index provides current air quality conditions categorized as good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous.
The Oregon Department of Forestry has developed a Statewide Communication Framework for helping Oregonians: (1) understand why we burn, (2) health risks of smoke, (3) ways to avoid smoke, (4) where burning is taking place each day, and (5) where smoke is impacting communities. This communication plan is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/fire/smoke-management-rules-statewide-coms-framework.pdf
Burning for healthier forests
Overcrowded forests are more prone to tree deaths from drought and insects, and typically experience greater fire intensity than woodlands where trees are more widely spaced. Prescribed burns help maintain forest health and reduce the risk of high-intensity, catastrophic wildfires and the large volume of smoke associated with such wildfires.
Yonker says fire suppression actions are more effective and lower in cost in areas with a recent history of controlled burning.
While all fires produce some smoke, the amount from burning covered slash piles is far less than from a wildfire burning an entire stand of trees. Air quality in Oregon during the September mega fires, for example, was the worst the state ever recorded.
“Wildfires often occur when the atmosphere is stable, trapping smoke close to the ground where it’s more likely to impact people,” says Yonker. “So anything we can do to reduce the amount of wildfire smoke, including doing more prescribed burning, is better for people.”
# # #
October 22, 2020
JOHN DAY, Ore. – Oregon Department of Forestry will terminate Fire Season in the John Day Unit of the Central Oregon District at 12:01 a.m. Saturday October 24, 2020. Cooling temperatures and increased humidity have reduced the fire danger and potential for rapid spread of fire due to fuel conditions. Additional precipitation is needed before burn permits for logging slash will be issued in the Central Oregon District.
Yard debris, burn barrels, and other open burning should follow local and county fire restrictions. Prior to any burning landowners should plan for safe burning practices including monitoring current weather conditions and future forecasts. Safe burning practices also includes clearing flammable debris from the burn pile or burn area, having a water source nearby, having tools such as a shovel handy while burning, not burning in windy conditions, and never leave a fire unattended. Continue to check the fire area for residual heat in the days after burning to ensure embers do not rekindle and spread to nearby fuels.
Year-to-date in the Central Oregon District firefighters have responded to 70 lightning fires burning 11,300 acres and 69 human caused fires burning 1,659 acres. The ten-year average for this time period is 63 lightning fires for 5,823 acres and 65 human caused fires for 2,192 acres. Eighty-five percent of all fires were less than ten acres in size.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
October 15, 2020
PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Fire Season for Oregon Department of Forestry’s Prineville and The Dalles units in the Central Oregon District will end at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2020. Industrial Fire Precautions in MH-1 and MH-4 of The Dalles Unit are also terminated. Fuel conditions do not pose a significant risk of fire ignition and rapid spread in these areas.
Gordon Foster, Prineville Unit Forester, reminds the public, “Although conditions have minimized the threat of fire spread, people should take caution and monitor conditions prior to conducting any open burning.”
The John Day Unit will remain in Fire Season until additional moisture has further mitigated fire hazards. Lands within the John Day Unit include portions of Grant, Morrow, Wheeler, Gilliam, Malhuer, and Umatilla counties. Open burning is not allowed at this time in the John Day Unit, including yard debris.
Burn permits for logging slash and debris will not be issued in The Dalles or Prineville units until additional precipitation is received. Yard debris, burn barrels, and other open burning should follow local and county fire restrictions. Safe burning practices include clearing flammable debris from the burn pile or burn area, having a water source nearby, having tools such as a shovel handy while burning, not burning in windy conditions, and never leave a fire unattended. Continue to check the fire area for residual heat in the days after burning to ensure embers do not rekindle and spread to nearby fuels.
Since Fire Season began in the Central Oregon District on June 1st firefighters have responded to 62 lightning fires burning 11,300 acres and 52 human-caused fires burning 1,643 acres.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
October 15, 2020
LA GRANDE, Ore. – As of 12:01 am, October 17, 2020, 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 Oregon Department of Forestry. The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa and small portions of Grant, Morrow and Malheur counties.
The Northeast Oregon District has responded to a total of 66 fires, to date, burning on ODF protected lands in 2020. There have been 40 lightning fires for a total of 127.5 acres. Another 26 fires were human caused and burned a total of 126 acres.
“The last few days have brought quite a bit of precipitation across the region. While the district is comfortable with removing the general fire season restrictions, it is important to remember that weather patterns could change and conditions could return to dry and windy. This probably isn’t the right time to burn slash or large debris piles. Waiting for more moisture and a sustained fall weather pattern is key,” said Matt Howard, Wallowa Unit Forester.
With the termination of fire season, landowners can begin burning in burn barrels or yard debris piles. Terminating fire season does not relieve landowners or forest operators of lawful responsibilities concerning the safe burning of debris or slash piles.
“With the exposure to wildfire smoke for an extended period this summer, as well as the COVID-19 concerns, following smoke management forecasts is very important.” Howard stated. “Landowners are encouraged to follow the forecast and burn in a manner that keeps smoke out of the Smoke Sensitive Receptor Areas (SSRAs). SSRAs for the Northeast Oregon District are Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City, and Enterprise.”
Specific Smoke Management/Burning Advisory Information:
- If you are under the protection of a rural or city fire department, please call and ask what their burning restrictions are. Burn permits for burn barrels or small amounts of yard debris are not required on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. In addition, 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.
- Burning slash from forestry and logging activities requires a Notification of Operation/PDM from ODF. In addition to this permit, the local ODF office must be contacted prior to ignition. Before burning in northeast Oregon, it is important to check weather conditions relative to smoke management. For smoke management forecasts call your local ODF office or visit the following website: http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/Daily/neo.htm
- Slash burns must be registered with the local ODF office at least 7 days prior to burning and burning accomplishments must be reported within 7 days following the burn. Please remember that our offices are closed to walk-in public. Phone your local office prior to visiting to make an appointment.
The Northeast Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry would like to thank all of our landowners, forest operators, the public and interagency partners for their efforts in fire prevention, detection and suppression activities this season.
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.
October 14, 2020
SALEM, Ore. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is removing all evacuation levels in Marion County following close consultation with fire management officials. There may be some roadways in the area that are closed for inspection and repairs. Up to date information on closures can be found by visiting tripcheck.com.
As a reminder, the Oregon Department of Transportation released the following statement yesterday, October 13th, 2020:
“OR 22 in the Santiam Canyon will open to thru traffic beginning at 7 p.m. tonight. Sections of the highway have been closed to traffic or controlled with pilot cars since Sept. 7 when a wind storm and series of wildfires caused devastating damage to communities and creating a series of hazards for travelers.
The Oregon Department of Transportation estimates that over 30,000 hazard trees have been removed along a 40-mile stretch of OR 22 that was heavily impacted by the winds and wildfires. Hazard trees are dead, dying or leaning trees that were damaged by the wildfires, and would likely come down on the highway posing a risk to travelers.
Travelers should be aware of the following:
- The speed limit is reduced to 40 mph between Gates (milepost 33) and Pamelia Creek Road (milepost 63).
- Significant work continues in the canyon and travelers should expect delays throughout the burn area.
- Utility companies are working throughout the corridor to repair power lines. Utilities and ODOT continue to cut down hazard trees.
- In addition to the ongoing work zones, hazards to travelers include damaged guardrail, roadside log decks and slash piles from the hazard tree removal, as well as the potential for falling rocks.
- With fall and winter rains beginning, slides and debris flows are a particular concern, especially in areas where the vegetation, tree roots and underbrush have been stripped away.
- Since many businesses and other facilities were damaged or destroyed by the fires, there are limited services available throughout the Santiam Canyon. Fill your gas tank, pack enough water, food and other supplies for the journey.
- Travelers are urged to use extreme caution while traveling through the burn area. Add extra travel time or consider using an alternative route.
Access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will be available and identified through or around the work zones”
The Willamette National Forest remains closed in certain areas (refer to map for specific areas of closure). All recreation sites INSIDE OF THE CLOSURE AREA remain closed as of September 25th, 2020 include the following:
Middle Fork Ranger District
- All campgrounds
- Fall Creek Road and all adjacent sites
McKenzie River Ranger District
- All campgrounds
- Road 19 between Hwy 126 and Road 1980
- Terwilliger Hot Springs
- French Pete Trailhead
- Echo Boat Launch
- Bruckart Boat Launch
- Saddle Dam Boat Launch
- O’Leary/Castle Rock Trailhead
- Kings Castle Trailhead
- Olallie North Trailhead
- Lower section of the McKenzie River Trail (where it crosses Rd 2654 – Deer Creek Road to the southern terminus) and associated trailheads
- Frissell Boat Launch
- Paradise Boat Launch
- Big Lake Road, Ray Benson Sno-Park, and portions of the Santiam Pass OHV Area
- Pacific Crest Trail – Santiam Pass Trailhead
- Pacific Crest Trail north of Highway 20
Sweet Home Ranger District
- All campgrounds
- Hackleman Old Growth Trailhead
- Santiam Wagon Road, from west from the junction with Rd 2672
- Iron Mountain – Deer Creek Trailhead (Iron Mountain – Civil Road TH remains open)
- House Rock Day Use Area
- Gordon Lakes Trailheads (all three)
Detroit Ranger District
- All campgrounds
- All recreation sites
- All wilderness areas (Opal Creek and Mt. Jefferson)
- All trails
- Pacific Crest Trail north of Highway 20
* All Marion County parks in the fire zone remain closed while crews continue to work on cleanup efforts.
* Detroit Lake is open for recreation via Mongold State Park.
For more information on Willamette National Forest Closure Areas please visit: USDA Willamette ALERTS
Santiam State Forest is still closed.
October 14, 2020
PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Regulated-Use Closure in the Central Oregon District will be terminated at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday October 14, 2020. Fire managers have determined the recent cooler weather and widespread precipitation across ODF’s Central Oregon District have reduced the risk of rapid fire spread and these prevention measures are no longer necessary. In addition to the removal of the Regulated-Use Closure for the District, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level for MH-1 (East of Hwy 35) will be reduced to Level 1. Fire season remains in effect.
Open burning and debris burning without a permit is prohibited on ODF protected lands during fire season. Additional county or local fire department restrictions may also be in effect. Use of tracer ammunition or exploding targets during fire season is not allowed.
While campfires and warming fires are allowed, the public is reminded to never leave a fire unattended, clear the area around the fire of flammable material prior to lighting and keep the fire small. Having a shovel and water nearby are also safe practices to limit risk of the fire escaping. Be sure your campfire is DEAD OUT! by drowning with water and stirring until there is no heat remaining.
Use caution in all outdoor activities and follow ODF and local restrictions. Current restrictions can be found at www.ODFcentraloregon.com. Failure to follow current restrictions may result in a citation or liability for fire suppression work. Wildfires cause damage to Oregon’s natural resources, including affecting water, soil and air quality and impact local communities. These restrictions affect Central Oregon District protected lands in Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
October 12, 2020
SALEM, Ore. – Just after Labor Day, ODF started tracking 17 major fires. We continue to track 6 of those (see table below for details). Fires are removed from the list when they are 100% lined and fire managers are confident in their progress toward containment.
Recent rains across much of the state have been lowering fire danger levels. As a result, the regional fire preparedness level was lowered to 2 on Saturday. Only one wildfire start was reported yesterday in Oregon, but zero new acres burned were reported.
Remember that fire season isn’t over yet, which means backyard burning and other restrictions are still in effect on ODF-protected lands. Check the public fire restrictions map to see current restrictions for your area.
| Fire name |
Acres burned |
Containment |
Location |
| Lionshead |
204,469 |
46% |
20 miles W of Warm Springs |
| Beachie Creek |
193,556 |
72% |
15 miles N of Detroit |
| Holiday Farm |
173,393 |
96% |
3 miles W of McKenzie Bridge |
| Riverside |
138,054 |
61% |
2 miles SE of Estacada |
| Archie Creek |
131,542 |
95% |
20 miles E of Glide |
| Slater |
44,597 in Oregon |
75% |
6 SE of Cave Junction (also in No. California) |
2020 Fire Season
This fire season, there have been 2,027 fires across all jurisdictions and 1,221,324 acres burned. On ODF-protected lands, there have been 907 fires and 551,816 acres burned.
Closures
Santiam State Forest is still closed to the public. Before heading out to hunt or recreate on other state or federal public lands, please check to see if there are any restrictions or closures due to the recent fires. There are still portions of some highways in wildfire areas that are closed. Use ODOT’s TripCheck to plan your route.
October 12, 2020
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – A sudden shift in the weather is prompting a decrease in the fire danger level and industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. While fuels in the region have remained extremely dry into early fall, rain and cooler temperatures over weekend have made it possible to ease-off on some additional fire prevention regulations.
Effective immediately, the fire danger level will be lowered to “moderate” (blue) and the IFPL will decrease to one (1) in Jackson and Josephine counties. The following fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- No fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestlands.
- Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. This includes charcoal, cooking and warming fires. (Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed at all times.)
- 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 (1) 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 must be conducted in a cleared area that has a charged garden hose or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher available.
- 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 moderate 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 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities must be conducted in a cleared area that has a charged garden hose or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher available.
- 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’s fire season public restrictions, please call the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
- Medford Unit, (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, (541) 474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.
October 9, 2020
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – A combination of cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity and the potential for rain across southwest Oregon have made it possible to ease-off on some fire prevention regulations. Effective immediately, the fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties has decreased to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level has been lowered to level two (II).
These regulations affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Restrictions on the public use of chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being slightly relaxed, allowing the use of equipment until 10:00 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect include:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- No fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestlands.
- Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. This includes charcoal, cooking and warming fires. (Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed at all times.)
- 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 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.
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, (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, (541) 474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
October 8, 2020
PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Fire Season in Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District remains in effect across private ownership, as well as state and municipal lands. Cooler recent temperatures may give a false sense that fire danger is no longer present. However, vegetation conditions are well above average across the District, and in many places are near where they were in August. This assessment is based on the ability of fuels to burn, fuel moisture content, the heat potential of the fire front, and the rate of spread. Fire managers are regularly reviewing the conditions and evaluating the need for restrictions.
“Cooler days and increased humidity recovery at night are moving us toward reducing some of our prevention measures, but what we really need to see is significant widespread precipitation across the District before we can make that decision,” says Rob Pentzer, Assistant District Forester for the Central Oregon District.
Open burning without a permit is prohibited on ODF protected lands as part of the Fire Season Declaration. Additional county or local fire department restrictions may also be in effect. Upcoming rain in the forecast will not eliminate the risk associated with debris burning with the current fuel conditions and wind associated with the storm may increase the risk of fire escaping.
Regulated-Use Closure restrictions are in place to reduce human caused fires on the landscape. Campfires and warming fires, including charcoal fires are prohibited by the Regulated-Use Closure. Additionally, a shovel and fire extinguisher (or a gallon of water) is required while traveling on forest roads. Chainsaw use and mowing of dried grass is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Current restrictions can be found at www.ODFcentraloregon.com. Failure to follow current restrictions may result in a citation or liability for fire suppression work. Wildfires cause damage to Oregon’s natural resources, including affecting water, soil and air quality and impact local communities. These restrictions affect Central Oregon District protected lands in Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
October 8, 2020
La Grande, Ore. – As of 12:01 am, October 10, 2020, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is terminating the Public Use Restrictions, or Regulated Use Closure for forestlands protected by the Northeast Oregon District. Due to moderating weather and seasonal temperatures and precipitation, the closure and the associated fire prevention restrictions are no longer necessary. Campfires fires will be allowed with landowner permission. Mitch Williams, La Grande Wildland Fire Supervisor, cautions “It’s been a long season. We’re finally seeing some more seasonable weather conditions and can start to ease restrictions. We’re not out of the woods yet. A return to hot and dry weather can quickly dry out light fuels. We could see more fires this year, but we are at a point where the days are shorter and generally the conditions are less favorable for large fires.”
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.
- Debris burning is prohibited this season. This includes ALL burn barrels and debris piles.
- 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 before starting a campfire.
- 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 ODF office for more information.
The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa and small portions of Grant, Morrow and Malheur counties.
To obtain a burn permit from ODF, 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
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 www.bmidc.org/restrictions/
October 7, 2020
More information: https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information/category/help-for-wildfire-victims/jackson-county-phoenix-and-talent-recommend-residents-to-not-clean-your-property-damaged-by-fire and https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup
View Jackson County Fire Damage Dashboard map.
The state has formed a Debris Management Taskforce and is currently working with local governments to develop strategies to complete the massive cleanup. Though this process takes time, there are significant benefits to individual property owners. Getting the whole burn scar area cleaned up systematically will help maintain property values, avoid blight, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
If you want government to lead and help pay for removal of hazardous waste and debris from your property, you must complete a Right Of Entry form to grant permission for the removal to occur. There are several ways you may fill out the form to participate:
Online at www.jacksoncounty.org/ROE, or download and complete the Widfire ROE form of your choice (see Documents to Download below) and mail or bring the form to this address:
Development Services
ROE Form Enclosed
10 South Oakdale Ave., Room 100
Medford, OR 97501
Or, you can email a scan or photo of the signed form to ColemaRK@jacksoncounty.org.
You can call the Right of Entry Processing Center help line at: 1-682-800-5737 if you have any questions regarding this program or filling out the form. If you choose not to participate in the program we would ask that you let us know that by checking the “I wish not to participate” box, signing and sending back so we do not bother you again on this. Forms need to be returned by October 16, 2020.
October 7, 2020
More information: http://www.lanecounty.org/mckenziefire (Holiday Farm Fire) and https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup
Cleanup & Debris Management
Lane County and its state and federal partners encourage residents who are cleaning up burnt structures to WAIT.
Property owners can OPT IN for hazardous waste removal services and debris removal services at no cost to them (insurance may be billed if applicable).FEMA and the State of Oregon have reached an agreement that will allow property owners to opt in to have Environmental Protection Agency crews remove household hazardous waste from fire-affected properties at no cost to the property owner.Insurance advocates are available from 8-5pm M-F at 888-877-4894 (toll-free). Advocates should be available to answer insurance and financial questions.
https://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx
Lane County’s McKenzie Bridge transfer station can accept normal garbage and recycling, including spoiled food. It cannot accept ash or bulk debris from burnt structures. Oregon DEQ presumes ash from burnt structures to contain asbestos if the structure was built before 2004. Landfills and transfer stations in Oregon are prohibited from accepting bulk deliveries of presumed asbestos-containing material. Contact Lane Regional Air Protection Agency for information about asbestos: 541-736-1056.
October 7, 2020
More information: https://www.klamathcounty.org/1105/242-Fire and https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup
October 7, 2020
More information: https://www.clackamas.us/wildfires and https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup
There is a program in place to assist you with the removal of household hazardous waste at no cost to you. However, you have to act by Oct. 16. Fill out the Right-of-Entry Permit Form as soon as possible to grant state contractors access to your property.
October 7, 2020
More information: https://www.co.marion.or.us/fire and https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup.
Property owners interested in having household hazardous waste and other debris removed from their properties at no charge will need to complete a Right of Entry form by October 16 to allow state and federal authorities temporary access to properties.
The process will be completed in two steps:
- Step 1: Clearing properties of household hazardous waste (this includes batteries, chemicals, and fuels that can negatively impact human health, waterways and drinking water resources, and soil). This is being offered free of charge to property owners. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will assess and remove household hazardous waste from burned properties. This work is being funded by FEMA and the State of Oregon. Using this service is optional but highly recommended to ensure debris is properly removed and disposed of to protect the health of soil, waterways, and the community.
- Step 2: Removal of ash, debris, and burned-out structures. State, county, and federal partners are actively working to develop options for ash and debris removal. We will notify you when more information becomes available for this step of the process.
October 7, 2020
More information: https://www.co.douglas.or.us/recovery/recovery.asp and https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup.
For residents affected by the recent wildfires in Douglas County, there is a program in place to assist you with the removal of household hazardous waste at no cost to you. But, you must to act by October 15, 2020 in order to participate.
Simply, fill out the Right-of-Entry Permit Form as soon as possible to grant state contractors access to your property.
The link below will take you to a webpage that is being managed by a consultant for the state of Oregon that is managing household hazardous waste removal.
Click Here for the Right of Entry Form:
If you do not wish to take part in the free wildfire household hazardous waste removal program, we ask that you still complete the form, but select ‘NO’, I do not wish to participate in the program. This will help us to track those that have been contacted.
