ODF lowers fire danger for second straight day as cooler, wetter weather eases conditions
AT A GLANCE
Fire danger lowered
ODF dropped fire danger to moderate Thursday.
Equipment hours expanded
Power-driven equipment is generally allowed before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
IFPL stays at Level 2
Industrial restrictions remain unchanged.
Fire season continues
Debris burning remains prohibited.
MEDFORD, Ore. — Significant rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures have prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District to lower the fire danger level to moderate across Jackson and Josephine counties, marking the second reduction in two days.
The moderate (blue) fire danger level took effect at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, on approximately 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands protected by ODF in the two counties.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at IFPL II.
The latest change follows a reduction Wednesday, when ODF lowered fire danger from extreme (red) to high (yellow) after light rainfall, cooler daytime temperatures, and lower overnight temperatures began easing conditions across southwest Oregon. IFPL was also lowered Wednesday from Level 3 to Level 2.
Continued rainfall through Wednesday and Thursday, along with temperatures remaining in the 60s, allowed officials to reduce the public fire danger level again.
Despite the wet weather, ODF says fire season remains in effect.
Vegetation can dry quickly once warmer and drier conditions return, and existing fire prevention regulations remain in place. Outdoor debris burning remains prohibited.
Equipment restrictions ease
The most significant change for the public involves when power-driven and spark-producing equipment can be used.
Under moderate fire danger, chainsaws, mowers used on dead or dry grass, weed eaters, metal cutting and grinding equipment, and other spark-producing equipment may now generally be used before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
Wildland Firefighter: An ODF firefighter works through forested terrain during wildfire suppression operations in southwest Oregon. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
That expands the allowable work period from Wednesday's high fire danger restrictions, which prohibited those activities between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Mowing green lawns is allowed at any time.
Chainsaws and equipment using string or metal blades may not be operated between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. When used during permitted hours, operators must have a shovel and an 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A one-hour fire watch is required after use.
Cutting, grinding, and welding metal are also prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. During permitted hours, the work must take place in a cleared area with a charged garden hose or 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher available.
Power-driven mowing of dead or dried grass is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. The restriction does not apply to green lawns or equipment used for the commercial cultivation and harvesting of agricultural crops.
Other spark-emitting internal combustion engines are subject to the same 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. restriction unless specifically exempted.
Campfires and debris burning remain restricted
Open fires, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, remain prohibited except at designated campgrounds.
Portable cooking stoves and fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in locations clear of flammable vegetation.
Outdoor debris burning remains prohibited, including burn piles and burn barrels.
Fireworks remain prohibited on or within one-eighth of a mile of ODF-protected lands and are prohibited on all BLM lands.
Exploding targets, tracer ammunition, and ammunition containing a pyrotechnic charge are also prohibited.
Smoking while traveling is allowed only inside enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at specifically designated locations.
Southwest Oregon Fire Season: American flags line a roadway through a fire-affected area in southwest Oregon during the 2026 fire season. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
Vehicle restrictions remain
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are restricted to improved roads free of flammable vegetation.
Travelers outside state highways, county roads, and driveways must carry one shovel and either one gallon of water or a 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher.
ATVs and motorcycles must carry a 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher.
Industrial restrictions remain at Level 2
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at IFPL II, or limited shutdown.
Under IFPL II, the following industrial operations may generally operate after 8 p.m. and until 1 p.m. daily:
Power saws, except at loading sites
Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
Cable yarding
Blasting
Welding, cutting, or grinding metal
Industrial restrictions are separate from public fire prevention restrictions.
ODF says conditions will continue to be monitored and restrictions may be adjusted again as weather and fire conditions change.
Additional fire season information is available through the ODF Southwest Oregon District and at swofire.com. The Medford Unit can be reached at 541-664-3328, while the Grants Pass Unit can be reached at 541-474-3152.
Cover Photo / ODF Resources: Oregon Department of Forestry vehicles staged during wildfire operations in southwest Oregon. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.
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