July 28, 2017
The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties rises to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 31. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands within ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two).
The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning Monday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws and mowers, to name a few. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited.
Here are the details of the adjusted fire prevention regulations taking effect on July 31:
· The use of power saws is prohibited.
· 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 is prohibited.
· Burn barrel use 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, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
· 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.
· Fireworks 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 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.
· 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.
July 21, 2017
Firefighters halted the North River Road Fire at 3.2 acres just around noon today. The initial report came in just before 10:30 a.m. with an estimated size of 1/100th of an acre. Within minutes, the fire spread upslope behind two homes off the 3800 block of N. River Rd in Gold Hill. While the two homes were initially threatened by the fire, no homes were lost or damaged by this incident.
While N. River Rd was closed temporarily due to fire traffic, the road is back open at this time. However, there are still several crews on site investigating the cause of the fire and mopping up hot spots along the hillside. Please use caution when driving through this area today.
Both ground and air efforts played a vital role in the quick containment of this fire. Our three helicopters made a combined total of 52 bucket drops over the fire. Visitors at Valley of the Rogue State Park witnessed firsthand how swiftly our air attack takes action as the helicopters dipped out of the Rogue River. Tanker 60 also made two retardant drops to help suppress the fire. For video of our firefighting efforts in action, visit our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District, Rogue River Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District 3, Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire Josephine County assisted in the suppression of this fire. A special thanks to Oregon State Parks for helping block the road for fire traffic. As always, we would like to thank our partners for the continued quick and efficient responses to wildfires throughout our region.
Firefighters faced a quick-moving grass fire that was being wind-driven uphill. The fire’s behavior as it traveled rapidly through dense, dry brush is telling of how quickly are fuels throughout southern Oregon are losing moisture. Please keep in mind that the fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will remain at “high” (yellow) for the time being. This means that our shut down time for several power-driven tools is from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For a full list of the public restrictions currently in place, check out our website: www.swofire.com.
For additional 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
July 11, 2017
Increased fire danger on forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has made it necessary to increase the fire prevention measures on industrial operations, such as logging sites and other commercial operations.
The industrial fire restrictions are separate from the general public. For the public, the “high” (yellow) fire danger level remains in place which was put into effect on June 30.
Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (two) takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12. This is considered a limited shutdown which includes the following restrictions:
• The use of fire in any form will be prohibited.
• The use of power saws will be prohibited, except at loading sites, between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• The use of a feller-buncher with rotary head saws will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• The use of cable yarders will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Blasting will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Welding, grinding or cutting of metal will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, commercial operators on forestlands are required to have fire suppression equipment on site and provide watchman service.
These regulations affect all state, county, private and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The regulated use zones affected by this proclamation include SW-1, SW-2, SW-3, SW-4, SK-3, RR-1, RR-2 and RR-3, and all forestland within one-eighth of a mile of these zones.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public and industrial 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
July 10, 2017
June 30, 2017
The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “high” (yellow) today, effective immediately. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at level 1 (one).
These regulations affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Restrictions on the public use of chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery will be the biggest change, allowing the use of equipment until 10:00 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
The following fire prevention regulations that will remain in effect today, until further notice, are the following:
· No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels;
· No fireworks on 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;
· 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;
· 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 j
ob 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;
· 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.
· 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
Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.
June 26, 2017
Firefighters halted the spread of 16 lightning-caused fires on ODF-protected lands over the last 16 hours. Yesterday’s storm kept the
ODF Southwest Oregon District and local fire agencies engaged as roughly 1,500 down strikes hit Jackson and Josephine Counties.
All lightning-related fires on the district were kept small; the largest being the Little Battle Mountain Fire which was just confirmed to be one acre. Originally, several of the fires were estimated to be a bit larger when discovered last night. However, now that all fires are contained and crews have had the chance to obtain an accurate GPS, several fires have “shrunk” in size.
“The initial size-up is usually different then the final
#fire size. That’s due to a lot of things like time of day, amount of smoke, wind and even the slope. But at the end of the day, the fire size isn’t the most important factor, but how quickly and efficiently we can get the fire out in order to keep firefighters safe and free up additional resources,” said Dave Larson, District Forester.
Today, the district’s priority is to spot new fire starts. We will have a recon aircraft up throughout the entirety of the day searching both counties for smokes. However, lightning fires are tricky in that it can take days, even weeks for a smoke to pop up.
Therefore, this is only the starting point for our recon mission.
We would like to remind everyone that the fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will remain at “moderate” (blue) for the time being. This means that our shut down time for several power-driven tools is from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For a full list of the public restrictions currently in place, visit our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest or our website:
www.swofire.com.For additional 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
(Photo: Little Battle Mountain Fire, June 25, 2017)
June 25, 2017
Nearly 40 reports of smoke throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties have kept our crews busy over the last several hours.
As of 9:45 p.m. tonight, we have 13 confirmed fires. Most of the fires are contained, and those that are still active are currently staffed with multiple engines and crews.
Firefighters will continue working throughout the night in order to knock down the remaining fires and search for additional smokes. Please be cautious of continued fire traffic in both counties.
We would like to thank all of our partners throughout our region. The multi-agency
#teamwork is impeccable.
As a reminder, there is still a chance of thunder and lightning overnight into tomorrow morning. We will be back at it tomorrow searching for additional starts.
(Next update will be tomorrow morning)
June 25, 2017
So far, close to 600 down strikes have hit our area, ranging from the Oregon-California border north to Trail, and Cave Junction east to Pinehurst.
Across both Jackson and Josephine Counties, we have responded to over 32 reports of smoke.
Of those calls, 9 were confirmed
#fires, all under 1/2 an acre in size. Crews are still searching in the remaining reported areas, but have not located fires in several locations. In fact, some are duplicate calls for the same fire.
Tomorrow, we will have aircraft up doing a recon flight. The goal is to take a look at the big picture to see if any smokes are visible from the air.
Why couldn’t we do this flight today? The active storm cells this afternoon posed too much of a hazard for our team.
Stay safe out there!
#FireSeason is definitely here. Remember, clouds and a small amount of rain does not mean the fire danger level decreases. Burning debris piles is STILL prohibited.
#KeepOregonGreen
June 20, 2017
The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “moderate” (blue) on Wednesday, June 21 at 12:01 a.m.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level I (one).
These regulations affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by
ODF Southwest Oregon District.
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 forestlands;
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
Beginning Wednesday at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire regulations will take effect:
• 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;
• Chain saws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one 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. during moderate fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
• 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 in motorized vehicles; all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2.5 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.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
#FireSeasonpublic 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
June 16, 2017
Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters routinely run into the face of danger to save others. We protect our communities from wildfire and act as stewards of the land. But, what about working with communities long after a wildfire is out?
This is exactly the outlook and actions of one of our own, Tyler Averyt.Tyler has given selflessly in support of the agency, the Firewise program and most importantly, the community. Because of his demonstrated passion and commitment to the department, Tyler has been selected as the recipient for the “2016 Seasonal Firefighter Leadership Award” for the Oregon Department of Forestry.
“I’m so proud of the type of firefighter and person Tyler has become. Tyler is one of many high caliber people on our team serving our district and the people of Oregon,” said ODF Southwest District Forester, Dave Larson.
Tyler is a 12-year veteran of the Oregon Department of Forestry. For the past year he has been assigned to a dual role as a Wildland Firefighter and Firewise Coordinator for Josephine County. In this role, Tyler is called upon constantly to do homeowner inspections in order to gain community involvement and interest in becoming a Firewise Community. While informing and assisting residents about reducing the risk of wildland fires on their properties, Tyler is also a fulltime firefighter for the district. He juggles fire calls and Firewise project implementation and planning, year-round.
“He is an employee who is highly motivated, sets goals and seeks out opportunities to accomplish these goals. He is an outstanding representation of the future of the Oregon Department of Forestry,” said Shelly Hoffer, ODF Southwest Wildland Fire Supervisor.The department chooses one firefighter throughout the entire state to recognize on an annual basis. We are ecstatic that this year’s honor goes to someone as hardworking as Tyler who has been dedicated to the Southwest Oregon District in Jackson and Josephine Counties since 2006.
“Being able to watch Tyler grow both personally and professionally over the past decade has been remarkable,” said ODF Southwest Assistant District Forester, Tyler McCarty, “I’m so proud of him; I feel like a proud dad.”
Tyler continuously demonstrates a high level of commitment to his training, public education, fire prevention and other agency operations. His allegiance to his fellow firefighters not only supports our department policies, but he works to help others achieve personal goals as well.
“He sets the example day-to-day. He is always the pillar in our agency that people look up to and respect. He helps empower people to succeed,” ODF Southwest Protection Supervisor, Karl Witz.
Tyler is seen as a leader and the “go-to” person for questions. He is skilled in bringing others together to work as a team, recognizing each person’s unique skills and talents, and how those will best contribute to success.
“I appreciate his willingness to support and provide assistance on tasks and projects no matter how big or small they are,” said Kyndra Von Essen, ODF Southwest Wildland Dispatcher.
He constantly goes beyond his normal duties and expectations to make visible improvements that have enhanced the agency’s ability to reduce fire losses and to better serve the community.
“The Firewise community of Forest Hills could not be more pleased to congratulate Tyler Averyt on winning this award. He is so deserving; he has supported us 100% by starting new programs, improving old ones and has an energy level that is unmatched. He is definitely a spark,” said Ruth and Gene Lambert, Firewise Community members.
Not only does he excel at his day-to-day job, but takes pride in every aspect of his work including fire team assignments that give him the opportunity to face new challenges. In the past year, he served on several fire assignments in various positions, including Task Force Leader, Heavy Equipment Boss and Contract Administrator. He continues to increase his skills and abilities in wildland fire leadership by serving as a Trainee Air Tactical Group Supervisor and working on his task book as a Helicopter Manager. He is always challenging himself and willing to take on anything thrown his way.Tyler was nominated for this award by his colleagues and supervisor, Shelly Hoffer, Kyndra Von Essen, and Karl Witz. His entire team here at ODF Southwest Oregon district could not be more proud of Tyler and his achievements. We are thrilled to have him as part of the ODF Southwest family.
“The camaraderie is the best part, no words can really describe it. We are a team through and through. Every day is different and comes with a new challenge, and as a team we overcome those challenges together. It’s rewarding to see the impact we can have on our local community,” said Tyler Averyt, the 2016 Seasonal Firefighter Leadership Award recipient.
June 14, 2017
As a reminder, last weekend’s rainfall did not lift fire season restrictions. Fire season went into effect on Sunday, June 4. During fire season, debris burning is unsafe; therefore, it is prohibited. Other prohibited actions during fire season include the use of fireworks, tracer ammunition and exploding targets on ODF-protected lands.
After a wet winter, the high volume of dead grass and hotter conditions is increasing fire danger on the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
“As things continue to dry out, the abundance of dead grass acts as a fuse for fast moving fires,” said ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester, Dave Larson, “this is one of the many reasons that we take violation of debris burning during fire season very seriously.”
Since January 1, 2017 ODF Southwest firefighters alongside are partnering agencies have already responded to over 35 wildfires in Jackson and Josephine Counties. Fourteen of those were due to debris burning.
“We are asking that residents do not fall into a false sense of security when temperatures cool for a couple days. It only takes one warm, dry or windy day to drive down fuel moisture to a point where grass and other fine fuels will readily carry fire. This is why debris burning remains prohibited,” said Lee Winslow, ODF Southwest Assistant District Forester.
While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, we are asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around every home and building on their property.
Here are some tips on how to dispose of yard waste without burning:
- § Chipping
- § Composting/Mulching
- § Curbside Pickup
- § Greenwaste Facility
- § Biomass Energy Facility
Eliminating debris burning not only reduces the chance of fire spread, but it could also prevent you from receiving a citation, or even a bill for the cost of fire suppression. While a citation ranges from $110 to $435; the cost of fire suppression can quickly become thousands of dollars.
If you know of someone doing an illegal debris burn in your area, report it. Your awareness and cooperation with us can help prevent the next wildfire.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions and regulations, or to report a fire, 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.
June 2, 2017
Fire season on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District begins Sunday, June 4, at 12:01 a.m. The fire danger level will be “low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be 1 (one). Lands affected by this declaration include state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
“Temperatures are starting to rise, our vegetation is drying out and summer weather patterns are arriving,” said ODF District Forester, Dave Larson. “We never know what a fire season may bring, but the last several years demonstrate our area’s potential for wildfires.”
Beginning Sunday, the burning of debris piles and the use of burn barrels for burning debris will no longer be allowed in Jackson and Josephine counties. Other fire season restrictions include the use of exploding targets, tracer ammunition and fireworks.
The 2017 fire season may be another active one. A good snowpack in the Cascade Range and the Siskiyou Mountains recharged many of the southwest Oregon region’s reservoirs, but may have little positive effect on wildfire activity in the district, most of which covers low-elevation grass and brush lands and mid-elevation forests. Residual snowpack is at higher elevations on national forest and national park lands.
“While the wet winter may help the higher elevations during the start of fire season, the grasses in the lower elevations are already beginning to lose their moisture. By the time we hit August in the southwestern portion of the state, we are still expecting to have an average fire season which means responding to roughly 6 to 10 fires per day,” said ODF Protection Supervisor, Bill Smith.
Last year, fire season started on June 3 and ended October 13 lasting a total of 133 days. A total of 209 fires burned on lands protected by the Southwest Oregon District, and blackened 726 acres. More than 200 of those fires were started by people and six fires by lightning in 2016. According to the 10-year average of fires on the district, 230 fires may burn more than 5,600 acres during fire season.
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
Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page:
@ODFSouthwest and
May 22, 2017
While the above average rainfall has led to a lower fire risk the past month, it has also led to an abundance of grass and brush. Despite the unusually wet winter and extended spring, temperatures have already begun to increase and all the grass and brush has begun to dry out enough to raise the risk for wildfires.
ODF Southwest Oregon District is urging residents to take advantage of this time to prepare for
#wildfires by creating a 100 foot zone of defensible space around their homes. However, people need to take caution when working with fire to rid of excess debris.
“Last year’s wildfires once again highlighted how important it is for homeowners to prepare their homes to survive a wildfire,” said Lee Winslow, Assistant District Forester, “However, warmer temperatures and curing grasses often increase the risk of burn piles escaping.”
Debris burning is the number one human-caused wildfire, with many fires taking place in the late spring and early fall. State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires any time of year. A first-time citation carries a $110 fine. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you are responsible for the cost of fire suppression and very likely the damage to neighboring properties. This can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
A burn pile is less likely to escape if these simple safety tips are followed:
• 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 debris burning is allowed that day. The number in Jackson County is (541) 776-7007; in Josephine County call (541) 476-9663.
• Know the weather forecast and avoid burning on dry, windy days.
• Construct the burn pile in an isolated area so the flames will not spread to adjacent vegetation. Make sure there are no overhanging branches or powerlines above the pile.
• Dig or scrape down to mineral soil to form a fire line around the burn pile.
• Keep the burn pile small. A small pile is easier to control than a large one. A small pile of 4×4 feet is recommended. You can add additional debris as existing material is consumed.
• 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.
• Never use gasoline or other accelerants to start or increase your open fire. Every year, 10 to 15 percent of all burn injuries treated at the Oregon Burn Center in Portland are the result of backyard debris burning.
• Burn only yard debris. State regulations prohibit the open burning of any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors.
• Stay with the fire until it is completely out. Monitoring a debris burn continually from start to finish is required by state law to ensure that any escaped sparks or embers can be extinguished quickly. Check and recheck your burn pile to guarantee it is dead out.
In addition to burning excess debris, the following tips should be considered when planning your homes’ safety against a wildfire:
• Remove all flammable vegetation 30 feet from all structures.
• Space trees and plants away from each other at least 100 feet from all structures.
• Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.
• Trim branches six feet from the ground.
• Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., not in the heat of the day and not during extremely dry and windy days.
• Landscape with fire resistant plants.
• Use fire ignition resistant building materials.
October 12, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry fire officials are officially ending the 2016 fire season on Southwest Oregon District-protected lands Thursday, October 13 at 12:00 a.m.
The conclusion of fire season is a result of cooler temperatures and continued rainfall throughout Jackson and Josephine counties.
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June 30 will no longer be enforced. This impacts 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Although fire season is coming to a close, it does not mean that there is no danger of wildfire. The end of fire season eases restrictions on activities that often can start a fire but does not relieve a person of responsibility for their actions.
Residents need to remember that it is everyone’s responsibility to practice fire prevention protocol. When burning or using any type of fire in the woods or yard, make sure to be in attendance and maintain control of your burn at all times. Clear above and around your burn, with firefighting equipment nearby as a precaution. Residents should contact their local fire department before conducting any burning as restrictions vary among local fire districts.
The firefighters and staff at the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District would like to thank all partnering agencies, support staff and the public for their continued cooperation this fire season.
For more information, 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
October 5, 2016
The wet weather and cooler temperatures has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to drop the fire danger level to “Low” (green) today.
These changes affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties that are protected by
ODF Southwest Oregon District.
Dry conditions by the weekend could still pose a risk; however, rain returns again next week reducing the chance for difficult fires. Fire managers will reevaluate the upcoming conditions in order to determine if fire season can be terminated soon.
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June 30 will be modified to the following:
• No debris burning, this includes piles and debris burned in burn barrels;
In addition to the modified public use restrictions, under state law, the use of tracer ammunition, exploding targets and sky lanterns is prohibited as long as fire season remains.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s public regulated use 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
October 1, 2016
The lower temperatures and forecasted rainfall has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to drop the fire danger level to “Moderate” (blue) Sunday, October 2, 2016.
In addition, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will reduce to level I (one), also effective tomorrow.
The fire prevention regulations put into effect on June 30 remain in force. These regulations listed below affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties that are protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Fire prevention regulations currently in effect, and which will remain in effect, include:
· No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels;
· No firework use on forestlands;
· Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
· No sky lanterns may be used in wildland and forestland areas.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s public regulated use 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
September 21, 2016
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity across southwest Oregon have made it possible to ease off on some of the fire prevention regulations. However, warm and dry weather is expected to return to the region by the weekend.
The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will be lowered to “high” (yellow) tomorrow, September 22, 2016 at 12:00 a.m. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at level 2 (two).
These regulations affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Restrictions on the public use of chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being slightly relaxed, allowing the use of equipment until 10:00 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Today will be the last day power-driven and/or spark-emitting machinery is completely prohibited.
Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
· No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels;
· No firework use on forestlands;
· Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
· No sky lanterns may be used in wildland and forestland areas.
· Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations;
· Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads;
· Chain saws may be used until 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. Chain saw users must have an ax, a shovel and an 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the job site, and a fire watch is required for one hour after the saw is shut down;
· Mowing of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment is allowed until 10:00 a.m., and may resume after 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not apply to mowing green lawns, or to equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
· The cutting, grinding or welding of metal are allowed until 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. These activities may only take place at a site cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and with a water supply at the job site;
· Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned is permitted during high fire danger before 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. as long as it is conducted
in a cleared area and has a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher immediately available.
· Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated locations;
· Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, 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 public regulated use regulations, or Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, 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
September 15, 2016
By 5:00 p.m. today, the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will have the Rocky Road Fire 100% contained.
Fire crews have continued mopping up and monitoring for hot spots throughout the day. Their efforts have proven to be quite successful. The fire remains at 15.2 acres. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
ODF Southwest Oregon District would like to thank all agencies who helped knock down this fire. As always, we recognize that we work best as a team and are thankful to have so many outstanding partnerships throughout the state.
September 14, 2016
At approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District responded to a grass fire burning near a home on Highway 227 and Rocky Road in Trail. The Rocky Road Fire was burning at a moderate rate of speed upslope in grass, brush and timber. Within two hours, crews were able to slow down the fire’s spread and get a fire line around 80 percent of the perimeter.
Tonight, the fire size is estimated at 15.2 acres and is 35 percent contained.
There was an initial threat to nearby homes along Rocky Road; however, with the help of the Rogue Valley Wildland Task Force 2 consisting of Illinois Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District 5, Jackson Fire District 3, Jackson County Fire District 4, Medford Fire-Rescue and Ashland Fire & Rescue, all structures were protected.
No public or firefighter injuries have been reported.
Crews will continue to work tonight constructing additional hand line, as well as strengthening fire line currently in place. Firefighters will also be monitoring for spot fires throughout the evening and tomorrow morning. Ground crews were able to quickly stop several spot fires this afternoon at 1/10th and 1/100th of an acre.
All road closures have been lifted, but please be cautious of increased fire traffic along Highway 227.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire management officials ask that the public continue to use caution and adhere to regulations. Current fire restrictions for lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District can be found at www.swofire.com.
September 6, 2016
Cool temperatures and high relative humidity has prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to drop the Industrial Fire Precaution Level to II (two) today. Cable yarding, blasting, welding or cutting of metal, and power saws except at loading sites may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.
This does not change the fire danger level for the public; the regulated use closure will remain “extreme” (red). For details on fire prevention restrictions, see the Fire Season Regulations page on this website.
