A persistent weather pattern of cooler temperatures and consistent rain prompted a decrease in restrictions for industrial slash burning, effective Monday, November 10, at 12:01 a.m.
As a result, the Oregon Department of Forestry says prescribed fire and industrial slash burning may increase in high-elevation, remote areas throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties.
These restrictions are specifically for industrial use and are separate from general public debris burning regulations.
Before a debris or barrel burn, members of the public should first contact their local fire district for any needed permits, and on the day of the debris burn, contact the appropriate county burn line to confirm it is a burn day.
For those in Jackson County, the number is 541-776-7007. In Josephine County, it's (541) 476-9663.
Even though the fire season is officially over, please continue to practice fire prevention when burning debris by ensuring a burn pile is never left un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark.
Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at www.swofire.com, Additional information can be found at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire
