DFPA Lowers Fire Precaution Levels Following Rainfall

Douglas County, Ore. — September 9, 2025
With recent rainfall moderating fire danger across the district, the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) has lowered both the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) and Public Use Restrictions (PURs).

Effective Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., IFPL will move from Level 3 (High) down to Level 2 across all DFPA-protected lands, including Bureau of Land Management holdings. Public Use Restrictions have also been reduced from High to Moderate on private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2: Limited Shutdown

Under IFPL 2, certain industrial operations must follow time-of-day restrictions to reduce wildfire risk:

• Power saws – permitted at loading sites all day, otherwise limited to 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws – limited to 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Cable yarding – limited to 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Blasting – limited to 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal – limited to 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Any modifications or waivers must be approved in writing by the State Forester or an authorized representative. Restrictions remain in effect until replaced or terminated by additional orders.

Public Restrictions Under Moderate Fire Danger

For the public, the downgrade to Moderate means some flexibility returns, but time-of-day rules remain in place. Activities such as:

• Use of non-industrial power saws
• Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried, cured grass
• Use of power-driven machinery for development or property improvement
• Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal

…are only allowed before 1:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m.

These measures are intended to reduce the chance of sparks or heat igniting vegetation during the hottest, driest part of the day.

Looking Ahead

Officials caution that while the recent rain is welcome relief, lightning remains a concern. A full update on lightning reconnaissance and response will be released by DFPA tomorrow morning.

For maps, regulations, and additional resources, visit www.dfpa.net, follow DFPA on Facebook (Douglas Forest Protective Association) or Instagram (@douglasfpa), or call the office at (541) 672-6507.