The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is increasing the fire danger level to "high" on all five of its ranger districts on Friday. Starting at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, the local forest is also raising the Industrial Fire Precaution Level to "2."
Acting Fire & Aviation Staff Officer Jeremy Delack said the current heatwave associated with critical fire weather conditions over the holiday weekend and beyond requires extreme caution on everyone's part to prevent wildland fires.
The Forest currently has nine engines, five hand crews, two heavy helicopters, one bulldozer and the Medford Air Tanker Base where both the large air tanker and the very large air tanker ramps are operational. In addition, the Dutchman, Halls Points and Rustler lookouts are staffed.
Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2 is also known as "partial hoot owl," which allows power saws, cable yarding and blasting, welding or cutting of metal between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time. Public use restrictions are already in place along the Wild and Scenic Rogue River and Stage 1 Public Use Restrictions are in place across the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Please use caution while participating in all outdoor activities during fire season. Heavier fuels are drying out due to the high temperatures in southwest Oregon and they will continue to dry out during the extended unseasonably hot days ahead.
During the holiday weekend, please be extra careful and remember no fireworks or firecrackers are allowed on public lands.
