Fire Danger Rises to Extreme Friday in Jackson, Josephine Counties
New restrictions will prohibit chainsaws, metal cutting, welding and mowing dry grass across 1.8 million acres of ODF-protected land.
FAST FACTS
Fire Danger Level: Extreme (Red)
Effective: Friday, July 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
Area: ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties
Acres Affected: Approximately 1.8 million acres
Industrial Fire Precaution Level: Level 2
New Restrictions: Power saws; cutting, grinding and welding metal; mowing dry grass; other spark-emitting engines
Conditions: Hot temperatures, critically dry vegetation and increasingly active fire behavior
JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. — Fire danger on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to Extreme beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 17.
The change comes as continued heat, critically dry vegetation and increasingly active fire behavior raise the risk that new fires could spread rapidly across southwest Oregon.
The Extreme, or Red, fire danger level will apply to approximately 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management property protected by the ODF Southwest Oregon District. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level 2.
ODF officials said current fuel conditions are supporting extreme fire behavior. The East Evans Creek Fire, which has grown to more than 5,000 acres, has produced rapid rates of spread, long-range spotting and sustained fire activity.
Temperatures above 90 degrees are expected to continue, while thunderstorms could bring lightning and erratic winds to portions of the region.
New restrictions beginning Friday
When the Extreme fire danger level takes effect, the following activities will be prohibited:
Using power saws, including electric and battery-powered chainsaws.
Cutting, grinding or welding metal.
Mowing dried or cured grass, including with lawnmowers and string trimmers.
Operating other spark-emitting internal combustion engines not specifically addressed under existing regulations.
Mowing green, irrigated lawns remains allowed. Agricultural crop cultivation and harvesting are also exempt.
Restrictions already in effect
The following regulations remain in place throughout the district:
Debris burning, including burn piles and burn barrels, is prohibited.
Campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires are limited to designated campgrounds.
Portable cooking stoves and fire pits using bottled or liquefied fuel are allowed in cleared areas with landowner permission.
Charcoal and pellet barbecues or smokers are allowed at developed residential homesites when used in a cleared area with a shovel and water source nearby.
Smoking while traveling is prohibited except inside vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water or at designated locations.
Fireworks are prohibited on or within one-eighth mile of ODF-protected land.
Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are prohibited.
Motor vehicles, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles may only operate on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. Fully electric bicycles and motorcycles are exempt.
Fuel-powered generators may only be used at residential homesites in cleared areas with a charged garden hose or an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
Anyone traveling off state highways, county roads or driveways must carry a shovel and either one gallon of water or a fire extinguisher weighing at least 2.5 pounds.
Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles must carry a fire extinguisher weighing at least 2.5 pounds.
Electric fence controllers must also meet applicable safety certification requirements and be operated according to manufacturer instructions.
ODF is urging residents and visitors to use additional caution with anything capable of creating heat or sparks. Any fire should be reported immediately by calling 911.
Current fire restrictions and information about designated campgrounds are available through the ODF Southwest Oregon District at swofire.com.
Cover image: Firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District conduct mop-up operations following a wildfire in southwest Oregon. Fire danger on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to Extreme on Friday, July 17. ODF Southwest Oregon District file photo
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