Fire Season Begins July 1

Fire season on forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest District begins July 1. The fire danger level is currently “low” (green) but will move to “moderate” (blue) on Friday, July 1. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be 1 (one). This declaration affects state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Fire season is determined by the state forester when vegetation becomes dry and fires become harder to control.

Fire season restrictions that will go into effect on July 1 are as follows:

• Debris burning will be prohibited.


• The use of fireworks on forestlands will be prohibited.

In the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River between Grave creek and Marial:

• Camp fires must be in fire pans or on a fire blanket that is placed on sand or gravel bars between the river and the high water mark, and only in areas which are naturally free of flammable vegetation.


• Smoking will be permitted on sand and gravel bars between the river and the high water mark, and only in areas naturally free of flammable vegetation, or in boats and rafts while on the river.


• Fireworks are prohibited.


• Travelers must carry a shovel and a minimum of a one-gallon bucket.

Commercial operations, such as timber harvesting conducted on forestlands will be required to have fire suppression equipment on the job site at all times. A watchman must also be provided.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, please contact:

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


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


• www.swofire.oregon.gov