New Tutorial Video Added

April 19, 2016

For anyone looking to go to the woods this spring, work on fires in the summer, or hunt during the fall there is a map just for you. Fully offline and available for most of Oregon you can use them with any device with the free PDF Maps application. Feel free to visit this tutorial video to learn how to download and get your maps.

Wildfire Breaks Out on Horse Mtn. in NE Jackson County

April 7, 2016

A wildfire approximately 7 acres in size is burning through logging slash on Horse Mtn., located in northwestern Jackson County approximately 8 miles west of Shady Cove (33S, 3W, Sec. 24). The logging slash is green and the fire is burning downhill on a NE aspect slope.

Three engines from the Oregon Dept. of Forestry’s Medford Unit are on scene, and two more engines have been ordered from ODF’s Grants Pass Unit. Two bulldozers, a water tender and a 20-man crew have also been ordered.

The fire is on private forestland and is moving at a moderate rate through the slash. It was reported around 4:00 p.m. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Use Caution When Burning Debris

April 5, 2016

Preventing summer wildfires and protecting your home often starts in the spring when fire danger is traditionally low and the warm weather lends to working outside. Spring is the perfect time to clean up around the home and discard piles of yard debris safely and effectively. Regardless of the time of year, always use caution if your plans include burning piles of yard debris.

Debris burning is the number one human-caused wildfire, with many fires taking place in the spring and fall. Statewide in 2015, 209 fires caused by debris burning blackened 432 acres and cost more than $630,000 to suppress. One-third of these fires took place before and after fire season.

In Jackson and Josephine counties, escaped debris burning fires in 2015 caused 44 wildfires that burned 113 acres.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents to exercise caution when burning debris and to refer to the following checklist before burning:

• Seek alternatives to burning, such as chipping or recycling the debris.
• If you decide to burn the material, call your structural fire department to see if a burning permit is required.
• Call your county’s air quality office to find out whether open burning is allowed that day. The number in Jackson County is (541) 776-7007. In Josephine County, call (541) 476-9663.
• Construct the burn pile in an isolated spot so the flames won’t spread to adjacent vegetation. Dig or scrape a fire line around the burn pile. Make sure there are no overhanging branches or powerlines above the burn pile.
• Keep the burn pile small. Burning a small pile is easier to control than a large one.
• Have a shovel and water at the burn pile site. If the site can be reached with a garden hose, make sure the hose extends at least 25 feet beyond the pile’s location.
• Avoid burning during windy conditions. Embers can travel and ignite spot fires nearby.
• Stay with the fire, wetting down the edges to prevent escape, until it is completely out.
• Remember, unattended piles can quickly spread out of control. If your debris burn escapes control, call 911 immediately.

This is also the best time of year to make your property wildfire-safe. Be sure and remove all dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters. Create a defensible space of 30 to 100 feet around your home by clearing brush and moving wood piles. Keep your lawn well irrigated and make sure your driveway is clearly marked and accessible for emergency vehicles and equipment.