FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07/15/24

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION LEVEL CHANGE: EXTREME

Effective Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 12:01 am, the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs land within the Douglas District.

IFPL (Industrial Fire Precaution Level) levels within the Douglas District will remain at IFPL LEVEL 3, in regulated use area (s) DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What does this change mean to the public?

Non-industrial power saw usage, cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass, and power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property is now PROHIBITED.

The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.

These restrictions shall remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order of the State Forester or an authorized representative.

Maps of the subject area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office, in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District.

Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001, OAR 629-041-0005.  

For more information, visit www.dfpa.net , check out our social media,

FB: douglasforestprotectiveassociation, Insta: @douglasfpa, or call the office (541) 672-6507.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07/05/24

IFPL CHANGE: LEVEL 3

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Effective Monday, July 08, 2024, at 12:01 am, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels will change to LEVEL 3 for all private, county, state, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and all BLM-managed lands within the Douglas District. This places certain fire restrictions on industrial operators to help prevent wildfires.

For further information on BLM-managed lands, please visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

IFPL (Industrial Fire Precaution Level) levels within the Douglas District will change to IFPL LEVEL 3, in regulated use area (s) DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What restrictions does IFPL3, Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 place on industries:

Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3, the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any operation area is unlawful unless such use is in compliance with the following:

Restricted Shutdown: The following activities are not permitted at any time, except as noted:

•  Cable yarding systems, except that gravity-operated logging systems using non-motorized carriages or approved motorized carriages may operate between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. when all blocks and moving lines are suspended at least 10 feet above the ground (except the line between the carriage and the chokers). An approved motorized carriage is defined as a cable yarding system employing a motorized carriage with two fire extinguishers, each with at least a 2A:10 BC rating, mounted securely on opposite sides of the carriage, an emergency motor cutoff, and an approved exhaust system.

The following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 P.M. and 1 P.M.:

•  Power saws at loading sites;

•  Loading or hauling of any product or material;

•  Blasting; • Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal;

•  Any other spark-emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

In addition, the following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 P.M. and 1 P.M. where mechanized equipment capable of constructing a fire line is immediately available to reach and effectively attack a fire start quickly:

•  Ground-based operations (tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations);

•  Power saws on ground-based operations;

•  Rotary head saw feller-bunchers with a continuous Firewatch;

•  Non-rotary head saw feller-bunchers;

•  Tethered logging - winch-assisted, cable-assisted, traction-assisted, etc. systems, which enable ground- based timber harvesting machines to operate on steep slopes.

The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.

These restrictions shall remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order of the State Forester or an authorized representative.

Maps of the subject area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office, in Salem, Oregon, and at the principal  offices of the Forest Protection District.

Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001, OAR 629-041- 0005.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07/02/24

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION LEVEL CHANGE: HIGH

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Effective Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 12:01 am, Public Use Restriction Levels will change to HIGH for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District, which imposes certain fire restrictions on the public to help prevent wildfires.

What does this change mean to the public?

Non-industrial power saw usage, cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass, power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property will only be allowed BEFORE 10 AM or AFTER 8 PM.  

At this time, there are no changes to IFPL (Industrial Fire Precaution Level). We will remain at IFPL 2 on all lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association, in regulated use area(s) DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eight miles thereof.

Please celebrate responsibly and remember that the use of fireworks in wildland areas is illegal during fire season. Those found to be in violation can be cited and held liable for fire suppression costs and associated damages.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

06/26/24

IFPL CHANGE: LEVEL 2

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Effective Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 12:01 am, Industrial Fire Precaution
Levels (IFPL) will change to:
IFPL LEVEL 2, All lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective
Association, in regulated use area(s) DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland
within one-eighth mile thereof.
What restrictions does IFPL2, Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2 place on industries:
Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2, the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any operation area
is unlawful unless such use complies with the following:
Limited Shutdown: The following activities may only operate between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and
1:00 p.m., except as noted.
1. Power saws, except power saws may operate at loading sites all day
2. Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
3. Cable yarding
4. Blasting
5. Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal
The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of
these requirements. These restrictions shall remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional
Closedown Order of the State Forester or an authorized representative. Maps of the subject area may be
viewed at the State Forester's Office, in Salem, Oregon, and the principal offices of the Forest Protection
District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001, OAR
629-041-0005.
There is no change to the current Public Use Restrictions. Levels will remain at MODERATE for all
private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.
MODERATE RESTRICTIONS: Non-industrial power saw usage, cutting, grinding, or welding of
metal, cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass, power-driven machinery for non-industrial
improvement or development on private property will only be allowed BEFORE 1 PM or AFTER 8
PM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

06/21/24

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION LEVEL CHANGE: MODERATE

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Effective Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 12:01 am, Public Restriction Levels will change to MODERATE for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District, which imposes certain fire restrictions on the public to help prevent wildfires.

There are no current applicable changes to IFPL (Industrial Fire Precaution Level) levels within the Douglas District. IFPL will remain at LEVEL 1.

What does this mean to the public?

Non-industrial power saw usage, cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass, power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property will only be allowed BEFORE 1 PM or AFTER 8 PM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

06/11/24

 FIRE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 14, 2024

The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District have announced that the 2024 fire season will officially begin Friday, June 14th at 12:01 AM.  All private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)  land within the Douglas District and Roseburg District BLM are included in the fire season declaration. On private, county, state, and BIA lands, certain fire restrictions are imposed to help prevent wildfires.

In addition to the declaration of fire season, the DFPA will implement Public Use Restrictions Friday on private, county, state, and BIA land within the Douglas District. Public use restrictions will be assessed and announced later for the Umpqua National Forest and the Roseburg District BLM. These fire prevention restrictions are put in place to ensure fire-prone activities do not start wildfires.

For more information on the Umpqua National Forest restrictions, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire.

For further information on BLM-managed lands, please visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

The following fire prevention measures will be in effect on private, county, state, and BIA land within the Douglas District:

·       Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, boats on the water, and other designated locations.

·       Backyard debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.

·       Open fires, including campfires, cooking, and warming fires, are prohibited except at designated sites.

Douglas County Parks designated sites: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground.

Private Campgrounds: Seven Feathers RV Resort and Umpqua Riverfront RV Park & Boat Ramp.

·       Charcoal and pellet BBQs are only allowed at fully developed and maintained residential home sites when used in areas that are free of flammable vegetation. A charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available.  Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere. 

·       The use of fireworks, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition is prohibited. In addition, the use of sky lanterns is prohibited year-round in Oregon. 

·       Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation.  This restriction is waived on private lands during low fire danger or when vehicles are used for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.  In addition, each vehicle with three or more wheels traveling on forest roads must have an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.  Motorcycles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

·       Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The following restrictions are based on the official fire danger for the Douglas District, which can be found online at www.dfpa.net or by calling DFPA’s 24-hour information line at (541) 672-0379:

·       The use of power saws for non-industrial purposes is allowed all day during LOW fire danger.  This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, non-industrial power saw use is prohibited.  Each power saw is required to have a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity immediately available.  In addition, a one-hour fire watch is required following the use of each saw.  On BLM-managed lands in the Roseburg District, the use of non-industrial power saws or other equipment with internal combustion engines used for felling, bucking, skidding, or wood cutting is prohibited. 

·       The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal for non-industrial purposes is allowed all day during LOW fire danger.  This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, the cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited.  These activities can only be conducted in an area free of flammable vegetation and a charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available.  The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited on BLM-managed lands in the Roseburg District.

·       The cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass is allowed all day during LOW fire danger.  This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, the cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried or cured grass is prohibited. The culture and harvest of agricultural crops are exempt from this requirement.

·       Any non-industrial improvement or development taking place on private property that utilizes power-driven machinery may operate all day during LOW fire danger.  These activities are permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger.  During EXTREME fire danger, these activities are prohibited unless a waiver has been issued.  Each piece of power-driven machinery working is required to have a shovel and a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.  In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour once the equipment has completed work for the day.

·       The use of Fuel-powered generators may be operated in a cleared area free of flammable vegetation all day during LOW fire danger. The use of a generator is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger.  During EXTREME fire danger, these activities are prohibited unless a waiver has been issued. The use of generators at residential homesites, when used in a cleared area that is free of flammable vegetation, is exempt from time restrictions. One shovel and one 2 ½  pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher must be immediately available.

The declaration of fire season also means the start of industrial fire regulations.  On Friday, the entire Douglas District will go into Industrial Fire Precaution Level I (one).  During IFPL I, smoking is prohibited while working on or traveling through an industrial operation. In addition, specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be on-site and ready for use at all industrial operations and a fire watch is required once work has been completed for the day.

Additional fire restrictions or closures may be in place through private industrial landowners or other public land management agencies on their own or managed lands. For more information about public and industrial fire restrictions, visit the following sites:

• Douglas Forest Protective Association:  www.dfpa.net/public-fire-restrictions

• Bureau of Land Management, Roseburg District:  https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions