DFPA Lowers Fire Danger to High as Crews Warn About Restriction Violations

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Fire restrictions across the Douglas District will ease slightly Wednesday as cooler temperatures and improved overnight moisture allow the fire danger level to drop from Extreme to High.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association said the change takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, and applies to private, county, state and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

The change comes as DFPA is also reminding residents that current fire restrictions remain in place and are being enforced.

DFPA said it has responded to multiple Public Use Restriction violations during the past week, including prohibited debris burning. Violations can result in citations and fines.

Anyone responsible for an unauthorized fire that escapes, causes damage or requires firefighting resources may also be held responsible for damages and suppression costs.

A VIOLATION WILL FOLLOW YOU FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.

DFPA said all violations are tracked statewide.

What Changes Under High Fire Danger

Moving to High fire danger means several activities that were prohibited under Extreme restrictions will once again be allowed, but only during cooler parts of the day.

The following activities will be permitted before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.:

• Using non-industrial power saws
• Cutting, grinding or welding metal
• Cutting, trimming or mowing dried or cured grass
• Operating power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property

Those activities remain prohibited between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

DFPA said the reduced fire danger level is the result of lower temperatures and improved overnight moisture recovery. Despite the change, fire restrictions remain in effect and residents are urged to continue using caution with anything that could produce sparks, heat or flame.

There is no change to industrial restrictions. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level 3 districtwide.