Douglas County Enters 2025 Fire Season: What You Need to Know
Fire season is now in effect across the Douglas District. DFPA has set Public Use Restrictions to “Moderate” and Industrial Fire Precaution Level to 1. Campfires are limited, off-road driving is restricted, and chainsaw or mowing hours are now reduced to prevent wildfire risk.
ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) has officially declared the start of the 2025 fire season, effective immediately. This declaration applies to all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.
With this declaration comes a range of fire prevention measures designed to reduce the risk of wildfires. Two key restrictions are now in place:
🔥 Public Use Restriction Level: MODERATE
This level brings several important rules for the general public:
- Campfires & Outdoor Fires: Open fires, including campfires and charcoal fires, are prohibited except at designated sites. However, propane stoves and appliances are still allowed in cleared areas.
- Motor Vehicles: Off-road driving is restricted. Vehicles must stay on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation and carry a shovel and fire extinguisher or water.
- Smoking: Prohibited except in vehicles on improved roads, boats on water, or at designated sites.
- Chainsaw Use: Allowed only before 1 PM or after 8 PM, and a fire watch of at least one hour is required after use.
- Mowing/Trimming Dried Grass: Also limited to early morning and evening hours, unless using electric tools or mowing irrigated green grass.
- Metal Cutting/Welding: Permitted only before 1 PM or after 8 PM, and must be done in cleared areas with fire protection tools on hand.
- Generators: Fuel-powered generators can be used before 1 PM or after 8 PM unless at a cleared residential site, which is exempt.
🏭 Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL): Level 1
This is the lowest IFPL but still marks the official start of fire season for industrial operations. Key points include:
- Fire season requirements are in effect.
- A firewatch is required after industrial operations using equipment that could ignite a fire.
- Operators should remain prepared for tighter restrictions as conditions dry out.
📞 Stay Updated
DFPA reminds the public and industrial land users to check for updates regularly, as restrictions can change rapidly depending on fire danger levels.
- DFPA Office: 541-672-6507
- 24-Hour Info Line: 541-672-0379
- Online: www.dfpa.net and DFPA on Facebook
🔗 Helpful Resources
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