09/02/2025
𝙇𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙍 𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆𝙀𝙉𝘿: As we enter the Labor Day holiday weekend, keeping fire safety and prevention in the forefront of our minds can and will prevent wildfires.
Temperatures will be slightly cooler and chances are, your plans will take you outside for camping, barbecuing or getting some work done around the yard. All of these summer activities can pose a fire risk under the right conditions. Following these tips will help keep your plans fire-free:
• If you’re hitching up the trailer for a long weekend out in nature, secure and check your chains- dragging chains on pavement throws sparks and easily ignites dry grass on the side of the road, usually creating multiple roadside fires.
• Before taking that roadtrip, get your car checked out by a mechanic. Old or faulty catalytic converters can shoot sparks and metal out of exhaust pipes and ignite dry grass on the side of the road. Just like dragging chains, this usually means multiple fires- sometimes for miles.
• Campfires are only allowed at designated campgrounds. If campfire information isn’t available on the camp’s website, check to see if further information or restrictions are posted on the camp board, or ask the camp host. When you’re finished, drown your campfire in water, stir the ashes and repeat this process until coals are cool to the touch with the back of your hand. If you can still feel heat, you’re not done. Never leave campfires unattended.
• Backyard barbecues have started fires- grills or fire pits that are fueled by propane, as well as electric pellet grills, are allowed in areas clear of dry vegetation. Barbecues using charcoal or a wood source are not allowed. Don’t ever leave grills or fire pits unattended.
• The mowing of dry or cured grass in Jackson and Josephine counties is currently prohibited due to Extreme fire danger. This includes lawnmowers, w**d eaters, hedge trimmers, etc. whether they are electric, gas or battery operated. This also applies to any equipment not listed with an internal combustion engine. With this regulation, the fire risk is the activity near dry grass, not the fuel source. Green lawns can be mown at any time.
• Debris burning in piles or burn barrels is illegal at all times during the declared fire season. Even with recent rain, dry vegetation is ready to burn again within an hour of sunlight, and piles can often reignite in warm, windy conditions (like those in the forecast this weekend). Violators will be cited and cost collection for related fire suppression activities will be pursued.
• Follow all local fire regulations. These activities are the most common causes of fires, and that’s why they’re regulated or prohibited during fire season. For Jackson and Josephine counties, find the full list here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/
The card posted below shows all regulations during every fire danger level. Currently, the red column on the far right of each side notes what the regulations are in extreme fire danger. Be sure to save it for future reference.
Our offices will be closed for business on Monday, but our firefighters will be on shift all holiday weekend to respond to fires. We appreciate the support we receive from our communities- the best way to continue to show that is by following the current regulations and having a fire-safe weekend.
