Rural Metro Officials Thank Residents for Responsible Use of Fireworks on July 4th
Rural Metro Fire Department is thanking Josephine County residents who were mostly responsible with fireworks during their Independence Day celebrations. Rural Metro officials said only a few fires were reported in and around the greater Grants Pass area on Friday night, all of which remained small and were quickly put out by firefighters or good Samaritans. Two visually spectacular fires were reported due to their proximity to large crowds gathered at the Allen Creek Shopping Center and Williams Highway Plaza, but no injuries were reported and no structures were damaged when sparks lit blackberries and brush. Fire officials extend their appreciation to everyone who remained responsible with their fireworks usage this year and to those who were properly prepared with the means to extinguish small ignitions. It was the sixth year in a row of a similar outcome within Rural Metro's large response area. Firefighters from local agencies asked that leftover fireworks be stowed away and saved for New Year's Eve celebrations. The summer wildfire season is just starting with conditions only getting hotter and drier. ...Read more

GP Fire Officials Encourage Safety for Citywide Independence Day Celebrations

Grants Pass Fire & Rescue wants everyone to enjoy their Independence Day celebration safely. According to fire officials, only Oregon-safe fireworks are allowed within the city limits of Grants Pass today from 6 to 11 p.m. only. Fireworks are not allowed in the area west of NW Highland Avenue and Dimmick Street, north of the railroad tracks, all areas north of Interstate 5, all city parks and all public schools. The use of all fireworks is prohibited within Grants Pass when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for Fire Zone 620. To safely enjoy fireworks, citizens are encouraged to attend the public display at Reinhart Volunteer Park. If you choose to set off fireworks at home, please follow these safety steps: Never give fireworks to small children and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, flammable materials or flammable vegetation. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Keep a water supply close by. Be sure the person lighting the fireworks always wears eye protection. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a "dud." Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Keep pets indoors as exposure to fireworks may result in severe burns or trauma. Fire officials encourage residents to have a safe and happy Independence Day! ...Read more

High Fire Danger on Medford BLM District Lands Prompts Public Use Restrictions

As the weather continues to warm and fire danger increases, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management has increased public use restrictions on the lands it manages in Southern Oregon. Effectively immediately, certain activities on BLM lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will be restricted to prevent human-caused fires and to reduce wildfire potential. Campfires are only allowed at the Hyatt Lake Campground and the lower section of the Rogue River below the high-water mark. In all other areas, visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire -- including the use of charcoal briquettes -- is banned. Operating a motor vehicle and parking off-road -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- is only allowed on roadways clear of flammable vegetation. Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation. Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to one year. ...Read more