News Flash

 Fire Season begins in Jackson and Josephine Counties on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District. The fire danger level will be “Low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one). 

Since the beginning of March, the district has responded to more than 50 fires, totaling more than 100 acres; warm temperatures, windy conditions and a lack of spring rain are among the contributing factors that increased fire starts and growth. Fuels across the region are also much drier than normal, reflecting late June-like conditions in mid-May. For these reasons, fire season is being declared in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Burn Barrels Not Permitted

Beginning Wednesday, the burning of debris piles and the use of burn barrels for burning debris will no longer be allowed in Jackson and Josephine counties. Over the past couple of weeks, our crews have responded to multiple debris burns that have escaped; landowners are encouraged to check their previously burned piles from this spring and confirm that they have been extinguished.

Additional Activities Not Permitted

In low fire danger, the following activities are prohibited:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestland.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, and on private land with the landowner’s permission. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used as well.
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

Evacuation and Fire Map

Check the Jackson and Josephine County Wildfire Activity map for fire boundaries and evacuation levels.

Air Quality App

Look for OregonAir in your app store to get easy access to the current Air Quality Index on your phone.

Other Information

• Wildfire Hazard Zones - South Grants Pass (PDF) - all fireworks prohibited

• Wildfire Hazard Zone - North Grants Pass (PDF) - all fireworks prohibited
• Fireworks in Grants Pass (PDF) - Fireworks frequently asked questions and safety information.
• Recreational Fire Guidelines - Propane Pits Only (PDF) - Rules and guidelines for recreational fires.
• Ready, Set Go! Pass (PDF) - Comprehensive information on how to prepare for wildfire evacuation.