Following rain and cooler temperatures across Southern Oregon, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Josephine and Jackson counties has decreased to "high," effective immediately.
This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and BLM lands in the two-county region. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at "Level 2."
The primary difference between "extreme" fire prevention restrictions and those that begin today affects the use of power-driven equipment such as chainsaws, mowers, weed-eaters and more. The use of power-driven machinery, the cutting, grinding and welding of metal and other spark-emitting equipment such as wood-splitters and generators is now allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily.
ODF officials said green lawns can be mowed at any time.
All other fire prevention regulations remain in effect including no outdoor debris burning, no fireworks and no exploding targets or tracer ammunition.
Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds, but portable stoves or fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in locations that are clear of dry vegetation. Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roadways. Smoking while traveling is only allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
For more information about Southwest Oregon fire season public restrictions, please visit "swofire.com" or call the ODF offices in Grants Pass and Medford.
