Fire Danger Level Increases to Extreme in Jackson and Josephine Counties
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 14, 2026) – Due to continued hot weather with temperatures above 90 degrees, critically dry vegetation, and increasingly active fire behavior across southwest Oregon, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to Extreme (Red) at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026. These regulations impact approximately 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 Level 2.
Current fuel conditions across southwest Oregon are critically dry and supporting extreme fire behavior. The East Evans Creek Fire, now more than 5,000 acres, has demonstrated how quickly fires can grow under these conditions, with firefighters encountering rapid rates of spread, long-range spotting, and active fire behavior. With continued hot weather, critically dry fuels, and the potential for thunderstorms this week, any new wildfire has the potential to spread quickly, making it critical for everyone to do their part to prevent new fire starts.
Beginning Friday, July 17, at 12:01 a.m., the following Extreme (Red) public use restrictions will take effect:
• The use of power saws, including battery and electric-powered chainsaws, is prohibited.
• The cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.
• The mowing of dried or cured grass is prohibited. This includes lawnmowers and string trimmers. The mowing of green, irrigated lawns and the culture and harvest of agricultural crops are exempt from restrictions.
• 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 fire danger levels are reduced:
• Debris burning, including burn piles and burn barrels, is prohibited.
• Campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires are only allowed in designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves and fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in cleared areas with the landowner’s permission. Charcoal and pellet barbecues and smokers are also allowed at fully developed residential homesites when used in a cleared area with a shovel and water source immediately available.
• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated locations.
• Fireworks are prohibited on or within one-eighth mile of ODF-protected land.
• The use of tracer ammunition and exploding targets is prohibited.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be operated on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Fully electric bicycles and motorcycles are exempt from these restrictions.
• Electric fence controllers must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Fuel-powered generators may only be operated at residential homesites in a cleared area free of flammable vegetation with a charged garden hose or one 2.5-pound or larger fire extinguisher immediately available. Battery- and solar-powered generators are exempt from restrictions.
• While traveling off state highways, county roads and driveways, possession of one shovel and either one gallon of water or one 2.5-pound or larger fire extinguisher is required. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must carry at least one 2.5-pound or larger fire extinguisher.
The National Weather Service continues to forecast hot temperatures across southwest Oregon through the coming days. Combined with critically dry fuels and the potential for thunderstorms, these conditions create an environment where fires can spread rapidly and become difficult to contain.
ODF urges everyone to follow current fire restrictions, use extra caution with any activity that could spark a wildfire, and report fires immediately by calling 9-1-1.
For additional information about current fire season regulations and designated campground locations, visit www.swofire.com