DFPA Lowers Public Use Restrictions, Industrial Precaution Level After Rainfall

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Fire restrictions are easing across lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association following recent rainfall in the Douglas District.

DFPA lowered Public Use Restrictions to LOW at 12:01 p.m. Friday, June 26, for private, county, state and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the district. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level also dropped to IFPL Level 1 at the same time for the Douglas Forest Protection District, including regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1 and UA-2, as well as forestlands within one-eighth mile of those areas.

The change gives residents and operators more flexibility, but DFPA emphasized that fire season is still active. Improved fuel moisture from the recent wet weather does not remove the risk of human-caused fires, especially as warmer and drier conditions return.

Under the lower public restriction level, several non-industrial activities are now allowed throughout the day when done in compliance with fire prevention requirements. That includes non-industrial power saw use, cutting, grinding or welding metal, mowing or trimming dried grass, and using power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property.

Off-road vehicle use is also allowed with landowner permission, but only on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. Passenger vehicles traveling on forestlands, except on state highways, county roads and driveways, must carry an axe, shovel and one gallon of water, or a 2½-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher. ATVs must carry a 2½-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Some restrictions remain in place regardless of the lower level. DFPA says debris burning, including debris piles and burn barrels, remains prohibited. Other activities listed as prohibited under DFPA’s public fire restrictions include fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns.

For industrial operators, IFPL Level 1 means fire season requirements remain in effect. Operations using fire or power-driven machinery must continue following applicable fire prevention rules under Oregon law and administrative rules.

Current public fire restrictions are available at dfpa.net/public-fire-restrictions. Industrial fire restriction information is available at dfpa.net/industrial-regulations. For more information, visit dfpa.net or call DFPA at 541-672-6507.