Slash Burning Season Has Begun

Burning on public lands began this week as Bureau of Land Management fire managers started the prescribed burn program for this fall through the winter. The upcoming burns will take place through December as weather conditions and air quality permit.

The burning program goals are varied and include treating the fuels on the ground to reduce risk of insect and disease outbreaks, to create better wildlife habitat and to reduce fire hazards. The BLM follows all state regulations for smoke management and only initiate burns when weather conditions are appropriate for smoke ventilation.

Daily updates are available by calling (541) 618-2354 or (800) 267-3126. Please do not call 911 for burn information as it could interfere with emergency calls.

Many Fire Restrictions Lifted

A few days of chilly, wet weather has allowed the Oregon Department of Forestry to remove fire-prevention restrictions on power equipment use, off-road driving and other measures effective today. This action affects lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The fire danger level remains "high" (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is I (one).

Here are the public regulated use restrictions now in place:

• Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in other locations.
• All debris burning, including debris burned in a burn barrel, is prohibited.
• Fireworks use on forestlands is prohibited.
  

Information about fire season restrictions on ODF-protected lands is available online at http://www.swofire.oregon.gov/, and at ODF Southwest Oregon District unit offices:

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