Fire Danger Level Increasing to Extreme (Red) – July 17, 2026

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 14, 2026) — Due to continued hot weather with temperatures above 90 degrees, critically dry vegetation, and increasingly active fire behavior across southwest Oregon, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to Extreme (Red) at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026. These regulations impact approximately 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2.

Current fuel conditions across southwest Oregon are critically dry and supporting extreme fire behavior. The East Evans Creek Fire, now more than 5,000 acres, has demonstrated how quickly fires can grow under these conditions, with firefighters encountering rapid rates of spread, long‑range spotting, and active fire behavior. With continued hot weather, critically dry fuels, and the potential for thunderstorms this week, any new wildfire has the potential to spread quickly, making prevention essential.

Extreme (Red) Public Use Restrictions – Effective July 17 at 12:01 a.m.

• The use of power saws, including battery‑ and electric‑powered chainsaws, is prohibited.
• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited.
• The mowing of dried or cured grass is prohibited, including lawnmowers and string trimmers.
  • Mowing green, irrigated lawns and agricultural crop operations are exempt.
• The operation of any other spark‑emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned above is prohibited.

Fire Prevention Regulations Remaining in Effect

• Debris burning, including burn piles and burn barrels, is prohibited.
• Campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds.
  • Portable cooking stoves and fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in cleared areas with landowner permission.
  • Charcoal and pellet barbecues/smokers are allowed at fully developed residential homesites when used in a cleared area with a shovel and water source immediately available.
• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and in designated locations.
• Fireworks are prohibited on or within one‑eighth mile of ODF‑protected land.
• Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are prohibited.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and ATVs, may only be operated on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for agricultural operations.
  • Fully electric bicycles and motorcycles are exempt.
• Electric fence controllers must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and operated according to manufacturer instructions.
• Fuel‑powered generators may only be operated at residential homesites in a cleared area free of flammable vegetation with a charged garden hose or a 2.5‑pound (or larger) fire extinguisher immediately available.
  • Battery‑ and solar‑powered generators are exempt.
• While traveling off state highways, county roads, and driveways, individuals must carry one shovel and either one gallon of water or a 2.5‑pound (or larger) fire extinguisher.
  • ATVs and motorcycles must carry at least one 2.5‑pound (or larger) fire extinguisher.

The National Weather Service continues to forecast hot temperatures across southwest Oregon in the coming days. Combined with critically dry fuels and the potential for thunderstorms, these conditions create an environment where fires can spread rapidly and become difficult to contain. ODF urges everyone to follow current fire restrictions, use extreme caution with any activity that could spark a wildfire, and report fires immediately by calling 911.

For additional information about current fire season regulations and designated campground locations, visit www.swofire.com.

Industrial Restrictions (IFPL II — Limited Shutdown)

Under IFPL II, which applies to industrial operations and is separate from public restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and until 1 p.m. daily:

• Power saws (except at loading sites)
• Feller‑bunchers with rotary head saws
• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal

Contact Information

For more information about ODF fire‑season restrictions, call or visit the Southwest Oregon District office nearest you:

Medford Unit — 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point — 541‑664‑3328
Grants Pass Unit — 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass — 541‑474‑3152