Local News

The Oregon Department of Forestry has announced it is reinstating "extreme" fire danger in Josephine and Jackson counties on Friday.

Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions and numerous active fires in the region, ODF will increase the fire danger level from "high" to "extreme" at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

ODF officials said fire danger decreased to "high" in the local district following significant rainfall in late August. But due to increased temperatures, dry fuels and the potential for east winds, the fire danger is returning to "extreme."

The regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and BLM lands protected by ODF's Southwest District.

Starting Friday, the use of power saws; the cutting, grinding and welding of metal; and the mowing of dry or dead grass is completely prohibited. Operation of all other spark-emitting internal combustion engines is also banned.

All other fire season restrictions continue including bans on outdoor debris burning as well as open fires in areas of flammable vegetation. Fireworks within 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected lands remain banned as do the use of exploding targets, tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.

Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles -- may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Smoking is prohibited while traveling except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other designated locations.

For more information about fire season restrictions in Josephine and Jackson counties, please visit "swofire.com."