ODF Southwest Oregon District moves fire-danger level to ‘low’ after widespread rain

Published 11:10 am Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Crews battle the Klondike Fire in southwest Oregon in 2018.

The fire-danger level has decreased to “low” in the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, which includes Jackson and Josephine counties, officials said Wednesday.

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“Recent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected” by the district, according to a news release.

The public public fire danger level decreased to “low” (green) at 9 a.m. Wednesday, and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) decreased to I (one) on ODF-protected lands in the two counties, the release said.

ODF said in low fire danger, public fire prevention regulations — which will remain in effect — include:

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

• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.

• Campfires are allowed on private property with the landowner’s permission and in designated campgrounds.

• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

Under an IFPL I level, 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, 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 at www.swofire.com and the X account, @swofire.

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