Following recent light rainfall and a trend of cooler temperatures, including continued lower overnight temperatures, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District in Jackson and Josephine counties is decreasing from “extreme” to “high” effective immediately.
According to ODF, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is also decreasing from Level 3 to Level 2. The recent change in weather has helped ease fire conditions across the district. However, fire season remains in effect, and restrictions remain in place, including the prohibition on outdoor debris burning.
Vegetation can dry quickly following rainfall, and fires remain very possible. The public is asked to continue following all current fire prevention regulations and use caution when working outdoors.
The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and the updated restrictions affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters and more.
The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will now be allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Mowing green, irrigated lawns is allowed at any time.
For more information about ODF's fire season restrictions, please call the Grants Pass Unit at 541-474-3152, or the Medford Unit at 541-664-3328.
