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JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The fire danger level has been increased to HIGH (yellow) from Monday, July 1, in Jackson and Josephine counties. The announcement has been made by the Southwest District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and affects 1.8 million acres of state, county, Bureau of Land Management, and private land.
New Fire Level Prohibits Use of Spark-Emitting Equipment
The fire level adjustment restricts the use of all spark-emitting equipment, including generators and wood splitters between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Other equipment prohibited during the yellow fire danger level includes mowers, and weed eaters, but the mowing of green grass is allowed.
Chainsaws used outside of the restricted time slots can only be used if there is a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8 oz on site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after use of the equipment.
Other Restrictions
For any unspecified internal spark-emitting combustion engine, restrictions also apply from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, the restriction is lifted if the site is clear of flammable vegetation and a water supply is at hand.
Existing restrictions will apply, together with the following:
- Motorized vehicles can only be driven on improved roads and must be equipped with a shovel, one gallon of water or a fire extinguisher of at least 2.5 pounds.
- Cigarettes can only be smoked in an enclosed vehicle traveling on improved roads, or in boats on the water and designated locations.
- Prohibitions between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. are mowing dead and dry grass. Metal cutting, grinding and welding is allowed within the prohibited period if there are no flammable materials on site and a water supply is on hand.
- Electric fences must be installed according to instructions for fire-safe operation and must be a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The fences must also be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
Restrictions Applying to Industrial Operations
Activities allowed between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. daily:
- Blasting
- Cable yarding
- Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
- Power saws, excluding loading sites
- Metal welding, cutting, and grinding
More Information Regarding Fire Restrictions
More information about the ODF restrictions can be obtained from the:
Medford Unit: 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point, Tel: (541) 664 3328
Grants Pass Unit: 5375 Monument Dr., Tel: (541) 474 3152
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