Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Extreme Fire Conditions Close Gilchrist, Sun Pass State Forests
Extreme fire conditions have prompted ODF to immediately close the Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests to the public. The closures affect more than 93,000 acres in Klamath County, with no reopening date announced.
Industrial Fire Restrictions Tighten Across Southern Oregon
Industrial fire restrictions are increasing across Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake counties as extreme heat, dry fuels, low humidity, and gusty winds raise the risk of new fire starts and rapid growth.
Fire Danger Rises to Extreme Friday in Jackson, Josephine Counties
Fire danger on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will rise to Extreme early Friday as hot weather, critically dry vegetation and active fire behavior increase the risk of rapid wildfire growth. New restrictions will affect chainsaws, metal work and mowing dry grass.
One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check fire restrictions before heading onto public lands this summer, warning that local rules can vary by district and conditions. The reminder comes with a simple message for fire season: one spark can threaten firefighters, homes, and entire communities.
Fire Season Now Active Across Oregon
All Oregon Department of Forestry districts are now in fire season, triggering prevention reminders and local restrictions across the state. In Southern Oregon and Northern California, agencies are also updating fire danger levels, burn rules and equipment-use restrictions as conditions dry out.
DFPA Crews Catch Five Fires Since Fire Season Began
Fire crews in the Douglas District have responded to five fires since the start of fire season, including incidents near Canyonville, Myrtle Creek, Tyee and Roseburg. DFPA says all five fires were contained quickly, but crews have also responded to about 15 illegal debris burn calls.
Fire Season Begins Friday in Klamath and Lake Counties
Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.
Grants Pass Fire Restrictions Begin Friday
Fire season restrictions will begin inside the City of Grants Pass on Friday, May 15, at 12:01 a.m. The city will enter fire season at a low fire danger level, with rules limiting open fires, smoking near flammable vegetation, vehicle use, power saws, mowing, and other activities that can increase wildfire risk.
BLM Fire Restrictions Begin May 14
Fire restrictions will begin May 14 on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington. The restrictions prohibit fireworks, exploding targets, certain ammunition, tracer and incendiary devices, and sky lanterns as officials warn of increasing heat and dryness across the Pacific Northwest.