Douglas Forest Protective Association Elevates Industrial Fire Precaution Level to 3

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — Effective Monday, July 14, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) will elevate Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) to Level 3. The change applies to all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District, including lands managed by the Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

This fire season declaration imposes specific restrictions on industrial operations to reduce the risk of wildfires and includes Fire Prevention Orders for BLM-administered lands. For details specific to BLM-managed lands, the public is encouraged to visit: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

🔥 What Areas Are Affected?

The IFPL Level 3 designation will apply to regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile of these areas.

🛠️ What Does Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 Mean?

Under IFPL Level 3, the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any operation area is unlawful, except under very specific restrictions.

🚫 Restricted Shutdown – Prohibited Activities (Except as Noted):

• Cable yarding systems may not operate at any time unless they meet the following conditions:
  • Must be gravity-operated or use approved motorized carriages.
  • Can operate only between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
  • All blocks and moving lines must be suspended at least 10 feet above the ground (excluding the line from carriage to chokers).
  • Approved motorized carriages must include:
    • Two securely mounted fire extinguishers (minimum 2A:10 BC rating), one on each side.
    • Emergency motor cutoff.
    • Approved exhaust system.

⏰ Operations Allowed Between 8:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. Only:

• Power saws at loading sites
• Loading or hauling of any product or material
• Blasting
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal
• Any other spark-emitting operations not specifically listed

🚜 Operations Allowed During Same Hours Only If Proper Equipment Is On Site:

With mechanized equipment capable of constructing fire lines readily available to immediately attack any fire starts, the following activities are permitted between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.:

• Ground-based operations (tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging)
• Power saws used during ground-based operations
• Rotary head saw feller-bunchers with a continuous Firewatch
• Non-rotary head saw feller-bunchers
• Tethered logging systems (e.g., winch-assisted, cable-assisted, or traction-assisted machinery designed for steep slopes)

📝 Modifications and Waivers

The State Forester or an authorized representative may issue written modifications or waivers to these requirements on a case-by-case basis.

These restrictions will remain in effect until they are replaced or terminated by a new Closedown Order from the State Forester or their designee.

Maps of the affected areas can be viewed at:

• The State Forester’s Office in Salem, Oregon
• Principal offices of the Forest Protection District

📚 Where to Learn More

• Definitions of all terms used in this declaration are available in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005.
• For general updates and fire information:
  • Visit: www.dfpa.net
  • Facebook: douglasforestprotectiveassociation
  • Instagram: @douglasfpa
  • Or call: (541) 672-6507