Local News

Oregon Department of Forestry Announces Start of 2024 Fire Season is Saturday

The Oregon Department of Forestry has officially declared that the beginning of the 2024 fire season in Josephine and Jackson counties is Saturday.

ODF officials said the fire danger level in Southwest Oregon will be "low" and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will be "1." Lands affected by this declaration include 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and BLM forestlands in the two-county region.

Spring rain, snow and cooler weather patterns allowed for a fairly fire-free spring in Southern Oregon up until mid-April. Since then, ODF Southwest responded to 14 fires -- all human-caused. These fires were stopped at just over 10 acres.

The beginning of fire season brings regulations on activities that are known to cause fires. Starting Saturday at 12:01 a.m., all outdoor debris burning -- including piles and burn barrels -- will be prohibited. No fireworks are allowed on or within 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected lands. Exploding targets and tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge 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 free of flammable vegetation. Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

A Firewatch is required for all industrial or commercial activities at IFPL 1 and all higher levels, unless otherwise waived.

For more information about ODF Southwest fire season regulations, contact the Grants Pass Unit at (541)-474-3152, the Medford Unit at (541)-664-3328 or visit "swofire.com."
Posted on 5/30/24 11:30AM by Sam Marsh