Salem, Ore.—With 298 Firewise USA sites in good standing, Oregon is again ranked number two in the nation for number of Firewise USA sites. In 2024, Oregon added 32 new sites to create more fire-adapted communities.
Oregon is also honored to share the first Firewise USA site in the country that is located in two states, along the Oregon and California border in Lake County.
Along with being number two as a state in 2024, Oregon is also home to the number four and number five counties with the most sites in the nation: Jackson County with 74 sites and Deschutes County with 78 sites. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of community members and those that led the charge.
What is Firewise USA? Firewise USA is a program that helps guide communities in the process of protecting their homes and neighborhood from wildfire. The program is run by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and U.S. Forest Service. The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for administering the program in Oregon and is a resource to help communities create a community wildfire protection plan, find grants to fund projects, and give expert advice.
This work is not done alone. Through the help of ODF’s partners, community coordinators, and local fire departments, we all work together to complete assessments and help the community develop action plans for implementing wildfire risk reduction activities.
How does a community become a Firewise community? Starting the journey to become a Firewise USA site is as easy as picking up the phone and calling your local ODF office. Only a minimum of eight dwellings are required, meaning that your street, neighborhood or town can be a Firewise USA community.
What are the benefits of becoming a Firewise site? By becoming a Firewise site, you can educate your community and work to become more wildfire resilient. As a Firewise site, you have access to several wildfire partners, like the Oregon Department of Forestry, to help you in securing grants, getting advice, help in coordination and more. Most importantly, you create strong relationships with your neighbors under the common goal of protecting your community from wildfire.
The continuation and growth of the Firewise USA program in Oregon is just one way we can create more fire adapted communities and protect our neighbors.
Since time immemorial, fire has been used as a forest management tool. Introducing periodic fire to fire-adapted landscapes and reducing forest fuels has been shown to reduce the potential for high-intensity wildfires and the huge volume of smoke they produce.
Fire suppression is safer, more effective, and costs less in areas with a recent history of controlled burning. Prescribed forest burning also helps prepare logged sites for replanting, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing pests and disease. These planned fires are lit when fire danger is low and weather conditions are favorable for protecting smoke sensitive receptor area (SSRAs) communities from smoke.
While the rates of escape and loss are very low due to the careful planning and preparation required for prescribed fire and cultural burning, there is always some residual risk when working with fire. This risk, and the resulting liability for damages due to escape if uninsured, can deter some practitioners.
In response to Oregonians’ fear about the risk—and with the goal of increasing the pace and scale of controlled burns—The Oregon Department of Forestry has enacted two programs, the Certified Burn Manager (CBM) Program and the Prescribed Fire Liability Program. The overall purpose of both programs is to reduce barriers to prescribed fire in Oregon and protect certified burn managers and landowners from civil liability.
The CBM program, created by Senate Bill 762 (2021), increases capacity for prescribed burns on non-federal, ODF-protected lands through leadership training and a certification program. Through the certification program, individuals seeking to become burn managers learn how to properly plan and oversee a prescribed burn.
When a landowner or community within an ODF protection district uses a certified burn manager, and follows the required burn plan, it protects both from civil liability. The certified burn manager can manage a burn anywhere within ODF protection, whether on their own property or that of other landowners. A potential burn manager does not need to be a landowner to become certified.
The Prescribed Fire Liability Program is intended to increase use of prescribed fire and cultural burning by providing liability coverage for enrolled burns. It authorizes claims covering certain losses arising from escaped prescribed fires and cultural burns. Participation in the program is voluntary.
For your burn to have liability coverage under the program, all the following conditions must be met:
The burn is enrolled in the program prior to burning.
The burn is conducted or supervised by an appropriate party for the burn.
Ensure the burn follows all applicable laws related to the burn (obtain and follow any required permits/burn plan, make required notifications for Certified Burn Manager-led burns, additional paperwork/ submissions for Power Driven Machinery, etc.).
If the burn escapes, the fire must not be a result of willful, malicious, or negligent actions in the origin or subsequent spread.
Expanding access to safely conducted prescribed burns benefits Oregonians by maintaining healthy forests and reducing risks to public safety.
SALEM, Ore. – Due to the extended drying pattern we are experiencing and east winds forecasted for this weekend, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) encourages anyone who may have completed a debris or slash burn in the past few months to monitor and patrol the burn site.
Embers can smolder beneath the surface, even in winter, after a burn and reignite in dry conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting east winds this weekend with gusts up to 30 mph, which could reignite residual embers and start a fire.
If you feel heat at your burn site, drown the site with water, stir, and repeat until it’s cold to the touch.
“This dry, windy weather is what reminds us that fire can happen in any season, not just summer,” Blake Ellis, ODF’s Fire Operations Manager said.
ODF districts across the state are prepared to respond over the weekend to any new fire starts.
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) welcomes back 70 firefighters who’ve been assigned to the fires in Los Angeles County, California for the past two weeks. While in California, the six strike teams were split between the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.
“We’re happy to help however we can when we receive the call from one of our partner states,” said Chris Cline, ODF’s Fire Protection Division Chief. “By strengthening our inter-state relationships and agreements, we can provide reciprocal support to one another by sending resources through faster channels.”
The firefighters went to California under state-to-state mutual assistance agreements, which create a reciprocal cache of resources all parties can access when needed. This is especially vital when local and national ordering systems are overtaxed. Partnerships like these are critical to quick, nimble response in today’s wildfire environment and can quickly bolster a requesting state’s capabilities.
“We call this the complete and coordinated fire system,” Cline explained. “The relationships built through deployments like these benefit Oregon when our fire season hits its peak.”
When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, like during winter, 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 21 firefighters from California to help fill middle management gaps during the 2024 fire season. Overall, Oregon brought in more than 500 people through agreements ODF has with more than 20 states and Canadian provinces and territories.
Additionally, sending ODF firefighters on out-of-state deployments helps them grow as firefighters. In addition to expanding their professional networks outside of Oregon, firefighters learn new suppression tactics and gain experience fighting fire in different environments. The skills and lessons learned brought back from these off-season deployments are then applied to better protect Oregonians, communities and our state’s natural resources.
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s six strike teams have been working alongside CalFire to suppress the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
As of this morning, there are three strike teams (which is equal to 15 engines) assigned to the Palisades Fire and three strike teams assigned to the Eaton Fire. Our firefighters’ duties vary, spanning from initial attack to mop up operations.
The rumor that firefighters were held up or denied due to emissions testing is NOT true. Upon arriving at the Sacramento Command Center, ODF engines underwent vehicle inspections for safety purposes. While in California, CalFire is responsible for the safety of our firefighters and took necessary steps to ensure that safety before sending them to the front lines.
A strike team consists of five Type 6 engines with two to four firefighters per engine, plus a strike team leader. In total, the Oregon Department of Forestry deployed 30 Type 6 engines and 70 firefighters.
The Oregon Department of Forestry is extremely proud of the work our firefighters are doing to support California and the “Whatever it takes” attitude that is brought to every task.
ODF’s strike teams’ expenses will be reimbursed by the state of California.
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) filled an order today to send six strike teams (30 type 6 wildland engines) and other overhead positions to California to help fight the disastrous wildfires in Los Angeles. These wildfires combined with strong wind conditions in Los Angeles County have resulted in thousands evacuating and hazardous air quality.
ODF firefighters are anticipated to arrive at the incident command post tomorrow, at which point they will be briefed on the situation and then assigned where needed. The two-week rotation in California will allow our firefighters to return the favor to our California partners, who sent resources to support Oregon last summer.
Deputy Director of Fire Operations Kyle Williams said, “The Oregon Department of Forestry’s leadership in the wildland firefighting arena makes our firefighters ready for any scenario and sending that expertise to California to help our fellow firefighters in their time of need is the least we can do to support our partners.”
The 70 firefighters are being sent to California via state-to-state mutual assistance agreements with CalFire. When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high fire activity.
“We understand how difficult it can be to need help so desperately. Especially after this past season in Oregon, where we saw an amazing outpouring of support from our out-of-state partners during Oregon’s record-breaking fire season,” said Chris Cline, ODF’s Fire Protection Division Chief.
This past summer was a record-breaking year for the state with over 1.9 million acres burned. Quickly, Oregon’s in-state resources were depleted while more fires continued to pop up. In response to our call for help, Oregon was sent resources from about 20 U.S. states and multiple Canadian provinces and territories, including California who sent 21 high-demand positions.
“These agreements help bolster the complete and coordinated fire protection system across the country and create a cache of reciprocal resources for all of us to call on when needed.” Cline explained.
Through these mutual assistance agreements with other states, including Alaska, Hawaii and NW Canadian territories, we can share resources with one another, creating a larger, faster comprehensive fire management system.
ODF’s strike teams’ expenses will be reimbursed by the state of California
Salem, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry is happy to announce the launch of the Prescribed Fire Liability Program. This pilot program is intended to increase use of prescribed fire and cultural burning and support fire practitioners by providing liability coverage for enrolled burns.
Introducing periodic fire to fire-adapted landscapes and reducing forest fuels has been shown to lessen the potential for high-intensity wildfires and the large volume of smoke they produce.
While the rates of escape and loss are very low due to the careful planning and preparation required for prescribed fire and cultural burning, there is always some residual risk when working with fire. This risk, and the resulting liability for damages due to escape if uninsured, can deter some practitioners from using beneficial fire.
Governor Kotek signed House Bill 4016 in 2024 establishing the pilot Prescribed Fire Liability Program. It authorizes claims covering certain losses arising from escaped prescribed fires and cultural burns. Participation in the program is voluntary.
For your burn to have liability coverage under the program, all the following conditions must be met:
• The burn is enrolled in the program prior to burning.
• The burn is conducted or supervised by an appropriate party for the burn.
• Ensure the burn follows all applicable laws related to the burn (obtain and follow any required permits/burn plan, make required notifications for Certified Burn Manager-led burns, additional paperwork/ submissions for Power Driven Machinery, etc.).
• If the burn escapes, the fire must not be a result of willful, malicious, or negligent actions in the origin or subsequent spread.
Learn more about the program and apply at ODF’s Prescribed Fire Liability Program web page.
For more information on prescribed fire and correlating programs, visit ODF’s Prescribed Fire web page.
Salem, Ore.—After a record-breaking year, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2024 Oregon fire season declaration. With over 1.9 million acres burned across the state, firefighters and resources experienced extreme strain.
“This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not just one agency’s issue but effects ALL Oregonians from government agencies to private landowners to Oregon residents.” Kyle Williams, ODF Deputy Director of Fire Protection, said, “This is our reality, and we need to adjust in response to it.”
Throughout May and June, the state experienced an average, even below average, season. However, early July brought the beginning of peak season with a heat wave followed by several lightning and wind events that primarily affected Central and Eastern Oregon.
Meteorological events combined with lightning-and human-caused fire brought immense strain on Oregon’s in-state resources. In response, the department leaned heavily into its interstate relationships. Firefighters and resources from about 20 states and Canada were brought to Oregon through state-to-state mutual aid agreements and the Northwest Compact.
“The outpouring of support from out of state has been amazing to say the least,” Chris Cline, ODF Protection Division Chief, said. “It truly goes to show that fire is a family, no matter where you are.”
Year to date, there have been 1,003 fires on ODF-protected lands resulting in 314,181 acres burned. ODF Type 1 Incident Management Teams (IMT) have been mobilized 11 times to wildfires this year. The assignments were to the following incidents:
Salt Creek Fire
Larch Creek Fire
Dixon Fire
Boneyard & Court Rock Fires
Battle Mountain Complex
Lane 1 Fire
Copperfield Fire
Shoe Fly Fire
Fossil Complex (two deployments)
Winding Water Complex
An ODF team was also deployed earlier in the year to assist Lane County and Springfield in their ice storm response. The department also mobilized a Complex IMT comprised of North Carolina and Florida firefighters through state-to-state mutual aid agreements. Statewide, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 1,956 fires that have burned 1,937,512 acres.
Due to the agency’s aggressive approach to initial attack to preserve natural resources, protect communities, and increase firefighter safety, many fire starts that happened this year were never heard about. Overall, the department put out 93 percent of fires on ODF-protected land at 10 acres or fewer this year.
Fighting alongside ODF and other wildland firefighters this season were members of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are independent, non-profit, volunteer fire organizations that provide local fire protection in rural Oregon, usually in areas outside of local fire district protection.
There are 28 RFPAs that protect rangeland and are an integral part of Oregon’s complete and coordinated system. This season, RFPAs were some of the first resources to respond and begin work on a fire while more resources were on their way. They also provided incident management teams and fire managers with information on the area and the land that gave in-depth situational awareness and influenced operations. ODF supports the associations through administrative guidance, insurance reimbursement, fire suppression training and facilitating access to federal grants and surplus firefighting equipment.
The start and end of fire season restrictions and regulations are set by each forest protection district based on the conditions in their area including drought, climatic forecasts, and seasonal trends. These restrictions and regulations are on activities prone to start wildfires, such as debris burning and certain equipment use, and are intended as preventative measures during times with elevated wildfire risks. The arrival of steady soaking rain, coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter days, usually triggers the closure of fire season. The end of fire season removes ODF imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round, so check with your local fire department or ODF office before starting a burn.
As Oregon transitions out of fire season, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.
For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website.
ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal forest and grazing lands in Oregon.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 26, 2024) – After 148 days, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is officially declaring an end to the 2024 fire season in Jackson and Josephine Counties, taking effect Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Consistent rain across the district and incoming rain storms throughout the next week, along with new, green grass and vegetation growing in has allowed for all fire season regulations and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) to be lifted this weekend. This declaration affects 1.8 million acres protected by ODF across Jackson and Josephine counties. At this time, industrial slash burning still remains prohibited.
From June 1 to October 27, ODF firefighters responded to 243 fires across Jackson and Josephine counties, totaling 5,470 acres affected. The majority of those acres were on the Salt Creek Fire, the largest fire on the district in 2024; it reached 4,102 acres total. Due to near-record breaking heat waves with triple digit temperatures, thunderstorms with little to no rain, and steadily increasing fire danger in early July, the district ordered ODF Incident Management Team 1 to assume command of the Salt Creek Fire. This was the only IMT deployment on the district this fire season, with all other incidents being managed from start to finish by local staff.
The strategic decision of bringing in an incident management team allowed district personnel the ability to respond to 26 reports of fire that occurred during the two-week period the team was engaged on Salt Creek, significantly cutting down on the probability of another large fire on the district. Ten of those 26 fires were ignited by lightning, located on steep, remote terrain near the lower Rogue River in Josephine County, where most recently, the Rum Creek Fire of 2022 was located. Despite limited access, firefighters were able to keep all of these fires at an acre or less in size, extinguishing them all within the following 48 hours.
The largest fires of the season on the district are listed below:
Fire Name
Date
Location
Acres
Cause
Salt Creek Fire
July 7
Salt Creek Road MM 4, Jackson County
4,102
Under Investigation
Upper Applegate Fire
June 20
3900-blk of Upper Applegate Road, Jackson County
1,142.5
Equipment Use
Highway 62 Fire
June 20
Highway 62 and 234, Jackson County
75
Under Investigation
Dead Indian Memorial Road Fire
July 4
Dead Indian Memorial Road, Jackson County
43
Under Investigation
Holland Loop Road Fire
June 21
5 miles SE of Cave Junction, Josephine County
20
Under Investigation
I5 MM 11.5 Fire
Sept. 4
5 miles SE of Ashland, Jackson County
13
Under Investigation
Hwy 234 MM 17
July 31
Dodge Bridge County Park, Jackson County
10.75
Under Investigation
Sugarpine Gulch Fire
July 21
2 miles NW of Rogue River, Jackson County
7
Lightning
ODF has an annual goal of putting out 98% of fires at 10 acres or less; with seven out of 243 fires hitting that mark, the district nearly reached its goal, coming in at 97%. Fire season 2024 was challenging across the state of Oregon, resulting in millions of acres burned. The success on the district here locally is largely due to a fast and aggressive response to fires and collaboration with our local and federal partners.
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. 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 you reside in:
Jackson County Burn Line: (541) 776-7007
Josephine County Burn Line: (541) 476-9663
Even though the fire season is officially over, please continue to practice fire prevention when burning debris by ensuring a burn pile is never left unattended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. While the heightened risk of fires has passed with the ending of the declared fire season, fires can still start and spread in fall and winter conditions. ODF firefighters will continue to be available to respond to fires throughout the year; partner with ODF and area fire agencies in fire prevention by following the debris burning guidelines put in place by your local fire department.
Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.
LA GRANDE, Ore. – As of 12:01 am, October 22, 2024, 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.
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 need to make sure they have their smoke management notifications filed and follow all forecasts for burning. Check with your local ODF office before lighting fires.
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 please call: 541-963-404 or 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.
For further information, call your local ODF office:
La Grande Unit (541)963-3168
Baker City Sub-Unit (541)523-5831
Wallowa Unit (541)886-2881
Pendleton Unit (541)276-3491
To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963-7171, or dial 9-1-1.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 16, 2024) – Recent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “low” (green), and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will decrease to I (one) on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
In low fire danger, public 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 ODF-protected land.
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.
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
PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will terminate regulated-use closure at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Fire season remains in effect across the Central Oregon District.
“We caution the public to be mindful of activities which could start a fire as we continue to slowly ease into winter. Periods of dry windy weather are possible and can be a threat into November,” says Brandon Ferguson, Forest Resources Manager for the John Day Unit. “While fire danger has lessened with cooler nights and increased humidity, we can still have rapidly spreading fires during the heat of the day.”
Wildland fuels, including live vegetation and down wood material are extremely dry. Limited precipitation, combined with long-term drought conditions continue to elevate the risk of fire ignition and increase fire behavior in wildland fuels. Fire managers regularly evaluate conditions to determine current fire danger and necessary restrictions to limit impacts from wildfires.
During fire season backyard debris burning, including burn barrels is allowed by permit only. Many counties have burn bans in place prohibiting debris burning at this time. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires.
With the termination of regulated-use closure, chainsaw use and mowing restrictions are lifted and small warming/recreational fires may be allowed on ODF-protected lands unless restricted locally.
Failure to follow fire season restrictions can result in citations, fines, and liability for costs associated with putting fires out. Wildfires impact public health, water quality, soil productivity, landowners, and local communities and businesses.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including regulated-use closure restrictions and contact information, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
As of 12:01 a.m., September 17, 2024, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will drop down to moderate fire danger, due to moderating weather and precipitation. Fire Season remains in effect for private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Burn permits are required for burning debris and barrels. Ensuring campfires are always attended is a good step towards fire safety, as is making sure the fire is dead out before leaving. The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa, and small portions of Grant, Morrow, and Malheur counties.
Here is a reminder of the restrictions that will be in place for moderate fire danger:
A permit is required for all open debris burning and use of burn barrels, depending on the conditions.
Contact your local ODF office as listed below to inquire about a permit.
Campfires for recreational and/or cooking purposes are allowed.
Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required: a shovel or other firefighting tool, a minimum of 1 gallon of water, or 2 ½ 2-pound or larger fire extinguisher, and a fire watch at least one hour after extinguishing.
PROHIBITED:
Use of exploding targets.
Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.
Fire restrictions may differ on lands protected by rural fire departments or lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. More information on fire restrictions can be found on the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org. For more information on fire prevention restrictions in the Northeast Oregon District, call: (541)975-3027. To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963- 7171 or dial 9-1-1.
Sweet Home, Ore.—Feller bunchers, dozers, water tenders and other specialized equipment play a key role in the initial attack and suppression of Oregon’s wildfires. Much of that equipment is provided by local operators under a contract agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry.
“One piece of equipment can do the work of a 40-person crew,” said Craig Pettinger, Oregon Department of Forestry’s interim district forester for its South Cascade district. “It’s not just the equipment but the experienced operators who know the equipment and the terrain of the local area that make them so effective.”
The operators sign up their people and equipment through ODF’s Incident Resources Agreement (IRA) program. Applications are typically accepted April through June each year. IRA contractors may select to work within specific ODF geographic areas, or under statewide ODF jurisdiction.
“We participate with ODF’s coordinated response to wildfires to help protect the communities our people live and work in, to limit damage to Oregon’s forests and to preserve our investment in our timberland,” said Kenny Rose, Chief Forester for Giustina Resources. “We were part of the initial attack on the Lane 1 Fire and still have equipment there. We are providing a rotary feller buncher, several dozers and large water tender.”
The contractors’ depth of knowledge and speed of their mobilization are two critical components they bring to fighting wildfires.
“I can pick up the phone and give them a call and literally have them on-scene in minutes and a full array of resources within a few hours,” said Pettinger. “That’s exactly what we did at the start of the Lane 1 Fire. That fire did expand very quickly in the first 48-hours and if not for those resources it could have been much worse.”
Although IRA contractors are used primarily on ODF jurisdiction fires, occasionally they may be requested and used on federal fires. That was the case for the Pyramid Fire south of Detroit Lake in the Willamette National Forest.
“We opened up 24-miles of old forest roads and built six-miles of 80-foot-wide fuel breaks,” said Milt Moran, President, Cascade Timber Consulting. “I’ve been in the forestry business for 50 years and that was one of the nastiest fires we have worked on. Our people were out there at 9:30 p.m. working on roads with trees lighting up and snags falling all around. It’s inherently dangerous for everyone fighting a fire. However, we always put safety first and work together to get after these wildfires as quick as we can.”
IRA contractors are required to have various levels of training and safety equipment depending on the type of services they provide. It’s not just heavy equipment and operators; IRA contractors can provide hand-crews, radio operator, mobile food services, medical services and more.
“When we can work together, industry, large landowners and state forestry, that’s when the partnership really shines.” Jay Christensen from Weyerhaeuser said. Weyerhaeuser is a private landowner with an IRA contract who has supported the agency in wildfire suppression multiple times. Most recently, they’ve supported the Lane 1 Fire outside of Cottage Grove from the beginning and are still working in partnership with ODF’s Incident Management Team 1. “We understand our road system, we understand the ground.” Christensen said.
“These IRA resources are critical for us to fight these fires,” said Pettinger. “They are efficient, effective, and a vital part of the wildfire attack and suppression effort.”
For more information on the IRA Program visit the ODF website.
Salem, OR— The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind Oregonians that with weather fluctuating across the state, fire is still on the landscape and fire season is still in effect. Oregon is still experiencing one of the worst seasons we’ve seen in the past decade, and the department warns the public against complacency.
“East winds are very common around this time of year, making now the time to prevent the next large wildfire. There is still potential for more fire starts and the season isn’t over yet.” Chris Cline, Fire Protection Division Chief, said. “The fewer human caused fires we have, the less strained our resources will be.”
East winds come to the Pacific Northwest every year around the end of August and last through the fall months. They occur from the crest of the Cascades to the Oregon/ Washington coast. Though the winds come annually, significant east wind “events” do not occur every year. If an event does occur, it usually lasts about 48 hours.
Current low humidity combined with sustained winds can increase fire behavior and risk west of the Cascades.
Conditions this week are a mix of warm temperatures, wind, and dry fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire. So far this year, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, there have been 1,697 fires in Oregon that have burned 1,535,304 acres. Within 24 hours this past weekend, the department deployed two incident management teams to assist with fast growing fires in Klamath (Copperfield Fire) and Wheeler (Shoe Fly Fire) Counties.
If the Oregon Department of Forestry knows that an east wind event is going to happen, which can be determined at least 5 days in advance, the agency will preposition resources, adjust schedules, and take necessary precautions to respond to new starts or increased fire behavior quickly.
“With the approaching fall like conditions, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state of Oregon.” Cline said.
Wildfire prevention means:
Debris burning is prohibited during fire season without a permit. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is over. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn later, during wet fall and winter conditions.
Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced.
Dispose of your cigarette using designated receptacles, and NEVER discard butts on the ground or in vegetation outdoors.
Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire.
Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 11, 2024) – Following rain and cooler temperatures across southern Oregon, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will decrease to “high” (yellow) on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two).
The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Thursday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will now be allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Green lawns may be mown at any time.
Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels
No fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected land. Fireworks are prohibited on all BLM land
Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited
Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves or fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation at all times
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain, are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling
Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations
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 includes gas, electric and battery-operated equipment. 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, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152
The change in restrictions will affect ODF Southwest Oregon District-protected lands.
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (September 4, 2024) – Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions, and numerous active fires in the region, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties will once again increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024. 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. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at two (2).
Fire danger decreased to high in Jackson and Josephine counties following significant rainfall in late August. Due to increased temperatures, dry vegetation, and the potential for east winds and thunderstorms, fire danger is once again increasing to extreme on the ODF Southwest Oregon District.
Beginning Friday morning at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:
The use of power saws is prohibited, excluding electric chainsaws.
The cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.
The mowing of dry or dead grass is prohibited, including all equipment that uses gas, electric or battery power.
The operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned above is prohibited.
The following fire prevention regulations are currently in effect and will remain in effect until the fire danger level drops significantly:
Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations.
Debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.
Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations clear of vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
Fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected land are prohibited. Fireworks are also prohibited on all BLM lands.
Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s fire-safe instructions.
The use of exploding targets is prohibited.
The use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.
Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
Meteorologists are predicting east winds and warmer weather this week and into the weekend to the northwest corner of the state. Fire managers will be increasing the fire danger level to High (yellow) for recreationists using the forests in the Northwest 2(NW-2) and Northwest 3(NW-3) weather zones. This change will be effective at 12:01 am Thursday, August 29, 2024.
All OHV trails in the Nicolai Mountain OHV Riding Area will close at 1:00 pm daily during High (yellow) Fire Danger level. Additionally, all campfires and barbeques are prohibited in the dispersed campsites in the Nicolai OHV Area (Shingle Mill, Viewpoint, Kerry, Plympton) and Lost Lake.
In NW-2 and NW-3 under the fire danger level High (yellow): Campfires are only allowed in designated metal fire pits at the following locations: Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground, Gnat Creek Campground, Northrup Creek Horse Camp and Beaver Eddy sites in Clatsop County. For other campgrounds, check with the corresponding ODF office.
Burn barrels and residential campfires are not allowed in NW-2 and NW-3 under High (yellow).
For industrial forest operations: NW-1 will remain at Level I and NW-2 and NW-3 will move to Level II, with most operations shutting down at 1:00 p.m.
Fireworks, exploding targets/tracer ammunition, sky lanterns are prohibited at all levels during fire season.
For up-to-date recorded information about fire season requirements, call 503-325-7215. To request a burning permit or obtain additional information, call 503-325-5451 during business hours.
Salem, Ore. – This week marked the 12th deployment for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s incident management teams (IMT)—11 during fire season and one following the ice storm earlier this year.
An IMT is a group of specially trained and qualified personnel who together provide the type of highly adaptable and coordinated infrastructure necessary to manage elements associated with all types of emergencies. ODF’s three Type 1 IMTs are qualified to handle the most complex incidents and deploy all throughout Oregon, nationally and internationally to provide help when it is desperately needed.
The 1955 fire season revealed a gap in Oregon’s wildfire response capacity—a trained, qualified team of people able to come in and handle major fires when the incident management needs exceeded the capabilities of local resources. In 1956, ODF’s first incident management team deployed to do just that. Since then, ODF’s three IMTs have been deployed in state nearly 200 times. About a quarter of those deployments have been in just the past decade, corresponding with the increase in wildfire complexity and intensity we’ve been experiencing in Oregon.
While the majority of team deployments have been wildfire incidents, ODF’s IMTs are all-hazards qualified and have responded to a variety of other emergencies. In recent years, the agency has supported Curry County’s response to a cyber security incident and Lane County’s response to the ice storm this past February. Early in the pandemic, our team members were tasked with helping establish the incident command structure necessary to sustain the state’s response to COVID-19.
“The professionalism, expertise and adaptability of our IMTs mean that we can answer the call to help our fellow Oregonians and their communities through more than just wildfires,” said ODF’s Protection Division Chief Chris Cline.
In fact, this week’s deployment is also for something other than wildfire response. This fire season was particularly intense for eastern Oregon, and the work doesn’t stop when the fire is contained. Once the flames are out, actions begin to repair damages caused by suppression efforts. ODF Team 3 was called in to provide the complex logistical and overhead support needed to assess more than 500 miles of fire line for suppression repair needs and get that work started.
Being part of an IMT requires significant commitment, especially during fire season. Standard deployments are 14 days in a stressful, austere environment. Staff typically work 16-hour days and then head to catch some sleep in a tent, in a field, or in a parking lot.
“ODF’s incident management teams are comprised of individuals committed to serving something bigger than themselves,” said Blake Ellis, ODF’s Fire Operations Manager.
But the bigger sacrifice is the year after year of missed birthdays, anniversaries, summer vacations and other quality time with family and friends.
“The hardest part isn’t the long hours and days, but rather being away from my loved ones and at times missing important moments,” said Jennifer Erdmann, ODF IMT 1 Planning Section Chief. “But we know that when we sign up to be a part of a team, in a way we’re signing our families up for it as well.”
Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has ordered four hand crews through the Oregon National Guard (ORNG). Through Governor Kotek’s State of Emergency Declaration, ODF is able to order firefighting resources as needed from the National Guard. Since the declaration, the department has already ordered two medevac helicopters and other air support from the National Guard in support of multijurisdictional fires.
“The wildfire situation on the ground is dynamic and challenging, and we need all hands on deck,” Governor Kotek said. “I want to thank the Oregon National Guard for their dedication and cooperation in fighting Oregon’s wildfires and protecting Oregon’s communities and natural resources.”
The four hand crews are comprised of 92 personnel: 22 firefighters per crew, two liaisons and two support personnel. Two of the crews will be staffed by Air Guard members and two will be staffed with Army Guard members.
ODF’s Deputy Director of Fire Operations Kyle Williams said, “This year’s extreme weather has tested our limits, but our unwavering commitment to protecting Oregon’s communities and natural resources remains. We are leveraging every resource available to fight the wildfires, including our partners at the Oregon National Guard.”
These service members will go through the administrative process to bring them on State Active Duty (SAD) orders on Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, August 1 and will then be assigned out to a fire through ODF from there. Their assignment will last 14 days in support of the U.S. Forest Service on multijurisdictional fires.
“The Oregon Guard is engaged and supporting first responders to what is shaping up to be another busy fire season,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department. “We are prepared to continue support as requested to assist our fellow Oregonians as needed.”
“We recognize and appreciate the support the Oregon National Guard are giving to our unified efforts,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service. “Their assistance comes at a pivotal time and will bring a welcomed boost in suppression response capabilities on the numerous wildfires impacting our communities.”
The Oregon Department of Forestry continues to tap into every outlet available through the Oregon National Guard, our in-state partners, landowners, state-to-state mutual aid agreements and the NW Compact to mobilize more firefighters and resources.