Extreme Heat and Wind Push Fire Danger to Highest Level in Southern Oregon
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) warned that fire danger levels will rise to extreme on Tuesday in Jackson and Josephine as hot, windy weather and dry vegetation increase wildfire risks.
The National Weather Service based in Medford issued an Extreme Heat Warning for southern Oregon through 2 a.m. Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to 110 degrees. ODF confirmed that the combination of heat and dry conditions increases the risk of wildfire.
Taking effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, the increased fire danger level affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management lands within ODF’s Southwest Oregon District. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at two.
ODF urged residents to follow the new restrictions, which include:
- The use of power saws — except electric chainsaws — is prohibited,
- Cutting, grinding, or welding metal, and mowing dry or dead grass is banned, although mowing green lawns will still be allowed.
- Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engines not specified are also banned.
- Debris burning, open fires outside designated campgrounds, smoking outside vehicles or designated areas, fireworks within one-eighth of a mile of ODF-protected land, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition banned under current regulations remain applicable.
- Motor vehicles are limited to improved roads free of flammable vegetation (except agricultural operations).
- Travelers must carry firefighting equipment such as a shovel and water or a fire extinguisher.