Rogue Forest Protective Association to Meet April 18

April 4, 2024

Agenda: 04-18-2024 RFPA BOD Agenda_DML

ODF Southwest Oregon District Now Hiring for Fire Season 2024

January 26, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Jan. 26, 2024) – The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District is recruiting for multiple positions for the upcoming fire season, including entry-level and experienced firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists, totaling approximately 130 jobs in Jackson and Josephine counties. These seasonal positions generally span from June through October, however, duration may vary depending on weather and fuels conditions. Both Medford and Grants Pass offices are actively hiring; benefits include medical, dental and vision health coverage and paid holidays, as well as personal business, vacation and sick leave.

The deadline to apply for all positions is May 30, however interviews will take place from early March on; applying early is highly encouraged. Job descriptions and applications can be found on ODF Southwest Oregon District’s website.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

Additional information is also available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Rogue Forest Protective Association Meets Dec. 6

December 1, 2023

The Rogue Forest Protective Association will hold its regular fall board meeting Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, 5286 Table Rock Road, Central Point, OR 97502.

Agenda: 12-06-23 RFPA Membership Agenda

Consistent Fall Weather Across the ODF Southwest Oregon District Brings and End to Fire Season

October 13, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 13, 2023) – Following 134 days, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District has officially declared an end to the 2023 fire season in Jackson and Josephine Counties. Consistent rain across the district and new, green grass and vegetation growing in has allowed for all fire season regulations and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) to be lifted. This declaration takes effect Friday, October 13, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., and affects 1.8 million acres protected by ODF across Jackson and Josephine counties. At this time, industrial burning still remains prohibited.

The 2023 fire season on the Southwest Oregon District was not without its challenges; Firefighters on the district responded to 207 fires since the season began on June 1, 2023, for a total of 1,634 acres burned. The largest fire of the season, the lightning-caused Smith River Complex, originated in California and burned north into Oregon. While ODF firefighters weren’t able to respond during initial attack on this incident due to its location, the District was proactive with its federal partners at the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management as the fire began to burn toward the Oregon border. As a direct result, of the fire’s 85,429 acres, only 1,440 acres affected ODF-protected lands in Josephine County. This fire aside, ODF Southwest Oregon firefighters responded to 206 fires during initial attack and stopped them at a collective 194 acres burned. The second largest fire on the district, the Whiskey Creek Fire in Josephine County, was stopped at just 27 acres.

The largest fires of the season on the district are listed below:

ODF has an annual goal of putting out 98% of fires at 10 acres or less; with eight out of 207 fires hitting that mark, the district nearly reached its goal, coming in at 96%.

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:

• 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 un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Please be aware that fires can still spread in fall and winter conditions. This region is extremely prone to wildfire, and for that reason, fire knows no season.

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.

Fire Danger Level Decreases to Low Across Jackson and Josephine Counties

September 27, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 27, 2023) – Due to widespread rain, the fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will decrease to “low” (green) as of Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Please be aware that this level change means that some fire restrictions for the public will remain in effect. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at one.

These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.

In low fire danger, the following activities are prohibited:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, and on private land with the landowner’s permission. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in areas clear of vegetation at any time.
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.

Fire Danger Level Decreases to Moderate Due to Widespread Rain and Additional Forecasted Precipitation

September 25, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 25, 2023) – The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will decrease to “moderate” (blue), and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will decrease to Level I (one) as of Monday, September 25, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Please be aware that this level change means that some fire restrictions for the public will remain in effect.

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.

During Moderate fire danger, the following public fire restrictions remain in effect:

• 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.
• Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed in areas clear of vegetation;
• Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use;
• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;
• The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials and a water supply is at the job site;
• 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 Industrial Fire Precaution Level I (one), which pertains to industrial operations and is separate from public regulations, 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 Southwest Oregon District’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.

Fire Danger Level Decreases to High on ODF-Protected Lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties

September 5, 2023

As of Thursday, June 1, 2023, fire season has been declared in Jackson and Josephine counties and the current fire danger level is HIGH (yellow). 

Beginning Friday, September 1, 2023 at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:

• • No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels

  • No fireworks on or within 1/8^th of a mile of ODF-protected 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 using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation

  • 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

  • Chainsaws 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, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use

  • Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 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 current fire regulations across the state, please check ODF’s public fire restrictions.

NOTE: Zoom in on the map, then click on your location. The sidebar will display fire restrictions and/or the proclamation.
For additional information, contact your local ODF office or our Facebook page.

Fire Danger Level, IFPL Increases in Jackson and Josephine Counties

July 28, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 28, 2023) – 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 increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 3 (three). These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.

Beginning Saturday 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.
• 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 1/8^th of a mile of ODF-protected land are prohibited.
• 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.

Under IFPL III, the following are prohibited between 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.:

• Power saws at loading sites;
• Loading or hauling of any product or material;
• Blasting;
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal;
• Any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

In addition, the following are permitted to operate overnight to the morning, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., where mechanized equipment capable of constructing fire line is immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start:

• Ground-based operations (tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations);
• Power saws on ground-based operations;
• Rotary head saw feller-bunchers with a continuous Firewatch;
• Non-rotary head saw feller-bunchers;
• Tethered logging – winch-assisted, cable-assisted, traction-assisted, etc. systems, which enable ground- based timber harvesting machines to operate on steep slopes.

This is considered a restricted shutdown and the following activities are not permitted at any time, except as noted:

• Cable yarding systems, except that gravity operated logging systems using non-motorized carriages or approved motorized carriages may operate between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., when all blocks and moving lines are suspended at least 10 feet above the ground (except the line between the carriage and the chokers).

In addition, pursuant to ORS 477.665 and OAR 629-043-0030, the fire watch requirement for this level is reduced from a minimum of three hours to a minimum of two hours during breaks and at the end of the operation period.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season restrictions, visit our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Fire Danger Level Increases to High, IFPL 2 on ODF-Protected Lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties

June 30, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 30, 2023) – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two) on Saturday, July 1, 2023 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 primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Saturday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws, 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 be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.

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 1/8^th of a mile of ODF-protected 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 using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation
• 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 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

Under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily:

• Power saws, except at loading sites
• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal

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

Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.

Due to High Temperatures and Dry Fuels, Fire Danger Level Increasing to Moderate on Friday

June 22, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 22, 2023) – The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “moderate” (blue) on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. Please be aware that this level change means that additional fire restrictions for the public will be in effect. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level I (one).

These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.

Beginning Friday at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:

• Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed in areas clear of vegetation;
• Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use;
• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;
• The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.

• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials and a water supply is at the job site;

Public fire restrictions currently in effect, which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of 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.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.

Fire Season Begins June 1, 2023 in Jackson and Josephine Counties

May 30, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (May 30, 2023) – Fire Season on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District begins Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. The fire danger level will be “Low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one). Lands affected by this declaration include 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Consistent rain and snow allowed for a fairly fire-free spring in southern Oregon up until early May, when a rapid shift in weather patterns took place and temperatures rose from forties and mid-fifties to a range fluctuating between sixties and nineties. The hot weather in combination with windy conditions prompted the spread of numerous accidental human-caused fires. Thunderstorms later in the month also contributed to fire starts, resulting in 14 fires, three caused by lightning and 11 caused by humans.

Beginning Thursday, the burning of debris piles and the use of burn barrels for burning debris will no longer be allowed in Jackson and Josephine counties. Even with recent rains, landowners are encouraged to check their previously burned piles from this spring and confirm that they have been extinguished.  

In low fire danger, the following activities are prohibited:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, and on private land with the landowner’s permission. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in areas clear of vegetation at any time.
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

• A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328

Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Jackson and Josephine Forestland Classification Committee to Meet for Appeals and Regular Business

April 25, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (April 25, 2023) – The Forestland Classification Committee for Jackson and Josephine Counties will hold a meeting and work session on Wednesday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. to continue reviewing properties involved in appeals, as well as conduct regular committee business. The meeting is open to the public and a zoom invite and additional information on the process is available online at https://swofire.com/forestland-classification/.

The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District utilizes the forestland classification process to determine which lands are classified as timber or grazing in Jackson and Josephine Counties. Classified lands are assigned a fire patrol assessment that pays for the cost of wildfire protection. At the public meeting, the Jackson and Josephine County Forestland Classification Committee will continue to the process used to update this land classification in the counties.

This project has been ongoing since 2017 with the appointment of a local committee; members include Dave Larson, Max Bennett, Randy White, Charlie Phenix, Mike Hussey, Jake Groves and Marty Main.

ODF Southwest Oregon District Responds to First Fires of the Year, Warm Weather in the Forecast Could Bring Increased Risk

April 24, 2023

The Watts Mine Fire, located near Williams, OR

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (April 24, 2023) – The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District responded to and extinguished the first fires of 2023 on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties on Monday, April 24, 2023. Reported off of the 16000-block of Water Gap Road in Williams, the Watts Mine Fire was caught at a little more than three-quarters of an acre by midday Monday. It affected Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and the cause is currently under investigation.

Around 2:45 p.m., ODF was requested by Jackson County Fire District 5 to respond as mutual aid to a grassfire on the 1500-block of Tyler Creek Road off of Highway 66, southeast of Ashland. The Tyler Creek Fire burned an estimated two acres on private land and was also quickly extinguished. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

A third fire was reported shortly before 4 p.m. near Birdseye Creek, south of Rogue River. Jackson County Fire District 1 was able to quickly extinguish it at a small size, and the cause will be under investigation. No homes or buildings were impacted by any of these incidents.

These fires are a good reminder that, while snowpack levels are higher than in recent years, rainfall in the valleys is still below average and a slight drought persists across southern Oregon. With warm and windy conditions forecasted this week, the risk of fires spreading naturally increases. While fire season has not been declared in Jackson and Josephine counties yet, southern Oregon is naturally prone to wildfire due to the topography, vegetation types and climate. This shift in weather signals the potential for fires on the landscape.

Residents should be aware of the added risk, especially when debris burning. Debris burns can reignite in these predicted weather conditions weeks to months following the burn, and should be checked for any heat on or below the surface.

The majority of fires ODF responds to are caused by humans accidentally; this means with precautions, a lot of fires around communities in southern Oregon can be prevented. If an activity can throw a spark or produce heat, there’s a risk of fire. This risk can easily be mitigated by having a water source on hand like a bucket of water or a charged hose. While firefighters are ready to respond to wildfires, together, we can also work to prevent them from even starting.

Forestland Classification Process Continues in Jackson County

February 8, 2023

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Feb. 8, 2023) – Property owners in Jackson County whose land has been newly classified as forestland within the current reclassification process will begin receiving notifications of their forest patrol assessment from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon district this week. This is the final phase of the Forestland Classification process that the district has been undergoing since 2017. This is not at all related to the Wildfire Risk Map, released in July 2022.

The ODF Southwest Oregon District provides wildland fire protection services to forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties, funded by a forest patrol assessment on protected lands. The Jackson and Josephine County Forestland Classification Committee was formed five years ago to reassess private land in the counties through a process that was completed in the spring of 2021. Multiple letters were sent to the landowners of properties that were added in this process to notify them of the change. Due to an unavoidable delayed implementation with the Jackson County Assessor’s Office, landowners who were new additions to the classification will be added this year.

Classification changes do not increase ODF’s fire budget, rather, the classification review helps ensure that protection costs are fairly distributed. Those costs are then matched by the state’s general fund. In most cases, a review typically results in some lands being removed from forest classification and others being added. In the Southwest Oregon District, many of the new additions were already receiving fire suppression services but had not been paying for it.

During the assessment process, the committee examined all lands within Jackson and Josephine counties, classifying them either as “forestland” or “not forestland” according to:

• Fire risk potential
• Vegetation type (fire fuel)
• Community structure
• Proximity to other forestland

The committee’s efforts are helping to resolve issues pertaining to ODF’s fire suppression role on forestlands and adjacent properties and is the basis for assessing lands for the costs of wildland fire protection.

Landowners with questions about the assessment, regulations or general information can call the Medford Unit office at (541) 664-3328. Additional information is available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Dollar Mountain Prescribed Burn Continues, Increasing Wildfire Protection to Grants Pass and Improving Overall Forest Health

February 7, 2023

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (Feb. 7, 2023) – The Oregon Department of Forestry will be conducting pile burns on Dollar Mountain the week of February 7, pending favorable conditions. This project is the second phase of the Dollar Mountain Forest Park Management Plan; firefighters have a goal of burning pre-stacked piles on 150 of the 320 total acres in an effort to reduce fuels in the area and wildfire risk to Grants Pass. Grants Pass Fire Rescue will be on scene for portions of the burn that are closer to homes.

With recent rain and more precipitation in forecast, firefighters are confident in keeping the prescribed burn under control while mitigating the fire risk to the surrounding area. Burns will only take place on public burn days and will be evaluated each morning to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke may be visible throughout the week, and firefighters will remain on scene to monitor the burns while they are ignited.

The park, located directly northwest of the city, is owned by Grants Pass. Crews will be thinning out dense brush and clearing out dead or dying vegetation to reduce fuels in the area and improve overall forest health. This collaborative project includes numerous fire agencies, as well as the Bureau of Land Management and Josephine County.

Additional information is always available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

ODF Southwest Oregon District Now Hiring for Fire Season 2023

January 10, 2023

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Jan. 10, 2023) – The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District is recruiting for multiple positions for the upcoming fire season, including entry-level and experienced firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists, totaling approximately 130 jobs in Jackson and Josephine counties. These seasonal positions generally span from June through October, however, duration may vary depending on conditions. Both Medford and Grants Pass offices are actively hiring; benefits include medical, dental and vision health coverage and paid holidays, as well as personal business, vacation and sick leave.

The deadline to apply for all positions is June 30, however interviews will take place from March on; applying early is highly encouraged. Job descriptions and applications can be found here:

2023 Seasonal Wildland Fire Positions – Medford

2023 Seasonal Wildland Fire Positions – Grants Pass

Wildland Fire Dispatcher –  Medford/Grants Pass Units 

Wildland Fire Dispatcher (Camera Detection) – Medford

All jobs are listed on ODF Southwest Oregon District’s website.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

Additional information is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Restrictions on Industrial Slash Burning Lifted, Expect Additional Burns During Cool, Wet Weather

November 1, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Nov. 1, 2021) – A persistent weather pattern of cooler temperatures and consistent rain has prompted a decrease in restrictions for industrial slash burning, effective immediately. As a result, prescribed fire and industrial slash burning may increase in high-elevation, remote areas throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties. Additional information can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Pages/burn.aspx

These restrictions are specifically for industrial use and are separate from general public debris burning regulations. Before a debris or barrel burn, members of the public should first contact their local fire district for any needed permits, and on the day of the debris burn, contact the appropriate county burn line to confirm it is a burn day:

• Jackson County: (541) 776-7007
• Josephine County: (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 un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Please be aware that fires can still spread during dry periods in fall and winter conditions. This region is extremely prone to wildfire, and for that reason, fire knows no season.

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.

After Nearly 150 Days, Fire Season Ends on the ODF Southwest Oregon District

October 25, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 25, 2022) – After a long, dry, and un-seasonably warm season, the 2022 fire season on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is officially ending on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. The ending of the 2022 season eliminates all public regulated use restrictions and industrial fire precaution level requirements. This announcement affects 1.8 million acres across Jackson and Josephine counties. This fire season on the Southwest Oregon District spanned 147 days.

“We’ve seen longer seasons that have hung on into late October and November before, but it’s been unseasonably dry this month,” said Tyler McCarty, Southwest Oregon District Forester. “Southern Oregon is very fire prone, but the heightened risk has passed at this point with the amount rain we’ve received this week.”

Between the start of the fire season on June 1 to October 25, there have been 240 fires across the district for a little over 21,703 acres burned. Lightning proved to be the main catalyst for fire starts in the season, causing 72 fires across Jackson and Josephine counties, including the Westside Complex in Jackson County and the Lightning Gulch complex in Josephine County. These complexes were made up of more than 50 fire starts caused by lightning strikes, spawning the Rum Creek and Hog Creek Fires near Merlin. The Rum Creek Fire would become the season’s largest fire, burning a total of 21,347 acres, destroying two homes, six structures, and taking the life of contract firefighter Logan Taylor.

“Logan paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect southern Oregon, and we’re so humbled and appreciative of how the community joined us in honoring him and his service,” McCarty said. “We’ve been fortunate on the Southwest Oregon District to not lose many firefighters, and Logan’s passing has touched everyone in our firefighting community. Our thoughts and prayers are still with his family and friends every day.”

The Rum Creek Fire was ignited by lightning on August 17 and was operationally taken over by Northwest Incident Management Team 13 on August 21. Near the end of August, gusting winds pushed the fire from under 1,000 acres to more than 8,400, and ODF Incident Management Team 1 and an Oregon State Fire Marshal IMT were ordered to work in unified command with Northwest IMT 13. All of Galice was evacuated, as well as surrounding rural residences, and portions of the Rogue River and recreational areas were closed as firefighters worked to create a containment line around the fire. On September 6, Northern Rockies Team 6 replaced Northwest IMT 13. By September 16, all evacuations had been lifted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. All teams demobilized by late September when the fire was declared 90% contained on Sept. 23.

The largest fires of the season on the district are listed below:

Despite challenges from dry fuels, hot temperatures, and windy conditions throughout the season, ODF firefighters kept 96.6% of fires at 10 acres or less within Jackson and Josephine counties, just shy of ODF’s protection goal of 98%.

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:

• 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 un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Please be aware that fires can still spread in fall and winter conditions. This region is extremely prone to wildfire, and for that reason, fire knows no season.

Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.

Widespread Rain Allows for Decrease in Fire Danger

October 22, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 22, 2022) – Recent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible to ease off on some public fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “low” (green) on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at I (one).

In low fire danger, fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

The industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will remain at I (one). Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

• A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, http://www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Mop-Up Work Continues on Anderson Butte Fire

October 3, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. (Oct. 3, 2022) – Progress continues on the Anderson Butte Fire, located on Bureau of Land Management land approximately seven miles as the crow flies south of Jacksonville. The containment lines held today, and firefighters made significant progress mopping up, reaching 60% completion. The fire remains 25.5 acres in size.

Tonight, 93 people are assigned to the fire, including four 20-person crews, two engines, four water tenders and numerous ODF overhead personnel. Their goals and safety concerns remain the same; firefighters will continue to mop up while remaining aware of hazardous trees and the potential for rolling debris on steep parts of the fire’s terrain.

The Anderson Butte Fire was first reported Sunday, October 2 at approximately 3:30 p.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  No homes were threatened on this incident. As progress is continuing steadily, this will be the final update unless conditions significantly change.

Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.