Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions and numerous active fires in the region, the Oregon Department of Forestry has raised local fire danger to its highest level.
Starting today, the fire danger in Josephine and Jackson counties is "extreme" and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at "2." This change in regulations impacts 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and BLM lands protected by ODF's Southwest District.
Beginning today, many outdoor activities have become completely prohibited on ODF-protected lands. This includes the use of power saws; the cutting, grinding and welding of metal; the mowing of dry or dead grass; and the operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned. The mowing of green lawns is permitted.
Smoking remains prohibited while traveling except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations. All outdoor debris burning remains prohibited as do all open fires including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations clear of vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation except when used for commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Possession of firefighting equipment is required while traveling except on state highways, county roads and driveways.
For more information about ODF Southwest's fire season restrictions, please visit "swofire.com."
