ODF Southwest Oregon District

ODF Southwest Oregon District The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District protects 1.8 million acres of forestland in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Oregon Department of Forestry's Vision:

•Healthy forests providing a sustainable flow of environmental, economic, and social outputs and benefits.

•Public and private landowners willingly making investments to create healthy forests.

•Statewide forest resource policies that are coordinated among Oregon's natural resource agencies.

•ODF recognized as an agency operating openly and in the pub

lic interest.

•Citizens who understand, accept, and support sustainable forestry and who make informed decisions that contribute to achievement of the vision of the 2003 Forestry Program for Oregon.

•Adequate funding for ODF to efficiently and cost-effectively accomplish the mission and strategies of the Board of Forestry, appropriate use of information technology, business management strategies, and department personnel policies that encourage and recognize employees, allowing them to meet their full potential in providing excellent public service.

𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙔 𝙇𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙍 𝘿𝘼𝙔: Our offices are closed today in observance of the holiday, but our firefighters remain ready to respond...
09/07/2026

𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙔 𝙇𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙍 𝘿𝘼𝙔: Our offices are closed today in observance of the holiday, but our firefighters remain ready to respond to reports of fire.

After a stretch of cooler, wetter weather, temperatures are beginning to warm back up, so please continue to use caution and help prevent human-caused fires.

Our offices will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8, at 8 a.m.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

𝟰𝗔𝗙 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞: Today marks the final contracted day of the season for 4 Alpha Fox (4AF), our Type 3 helicopter from Bri...
09/05/2026

𝟰𝗔𝗙 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞: Today marks the final contracted day of the season for 4 Alpha Fox (4AF), our Type 3 helicopter from Brim Aviation. This season also brought a new capability to Southwest Oregon: flying with night vision goggles (NVGs).

ODF Southwest Oregon District has partnered with Brim Aviation for years. Recently, ODF aviation personnel and the pilot completed specialized training to conduct approved flights using NVGs after dark. That training has already been put to use. During a recent night flight following lightning across the district, three lightning-caused fires were located from the air.

NVGs are especially valuable in Southwest Oregon, where lightning can leave behind small fires in steep, remote and heavily forested areas. The goggles enhance available light, giving trained aviation personnel another tool to search for signs of fire activity after dark and help get firefighters to new starts sooner.

During an NVG flight, the pilot focuses on safely operating the helicopter while our trained aviation supervisor assists with the wildfire mission, looking for signs of fire activity and helping maintain situational awareness.

For now, water-dropping operations with 4AF remain to daylight hours. As we continue building our NVG program, the goal is to work toward additional night capabilities, including the potential for water drops after dark in the future.

4AF is a Type 3 helicopter, a smaller and highly maneuverable aircraft well suited for our rugged terrain. It supports firefighters through reconnaissance, locating fires, transporting personnel and equipment, and daytime water drops.

4AF is contracted for 75 days during fire season and can be extended when conditions warrant. Based on current conditions, today is its final contracted day of the season, while some of our other aviation resources will remain in place a little longer.

While 4AF’s contracted time with us is coming to an end, our firefighters and remaining aviation resources continue to stand ready as fire season continues.

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝘿𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀: Fire danger decreasing to moderate, IFPL remaining at Level 2 in Jackson and Josephine counties.An...
09/03/2026

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝘿𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀: Fire danger decreasing to moderate, IFPL remaining at Level 2 in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Another day of rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures has prompted a further decrease in fire danger across Jackson and Josephine counties. At 10 a.m. on September 3, 2026, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will decrease from “high” (yellow) to “moderate” (blue). The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two).

This change affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Continued rainfall throughout the past day, combined with unseasonably cool temperatures in the 60s, has further reduced fire danger across the district. While these conditions have allowed for a decrease to moderate fire danger, fire season remains in effect and vegetation can dry quickly once warmer, drier weather returns. The public should continue to follow all current fire prevention regulations and use caution during outdoor activities. Outdoor debris burning remains prohibited.

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and the updated restrictions affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, w**d eaters and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal and other spark-emitting equipment will now be allowed until 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Mowing green lawns is allowed at any time.

Public fire restrictions under moderate fire danger include:

• Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves or firepits using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed in areas clear of flammable vegetation.

• Chainsaws, including equipment using string or metal blades, may not be used between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. During hours outside of this time frame, this equipment may be used but requires that the operator have one shovel and one 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each use.

• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. These activities are allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher is at the job site.

• The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. This restriction does not include mowing green lawns or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher.

• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher.

• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2½-pound or larger fire extinguisher is at the job site.

Other public fire restrictions that remain in effect include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.

• No fireworks on or within one eighth of a mile of ODF-protected land. Fireworks are prohibited on all BLM land.

• Exploding targets and tracer am******on, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

• Smoking while traveling is allowed only in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire-safe operation.

For industrial operations, under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up 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

Fire season remains in effect, and all other restrictions continue in place. Despite the rainfall and decrease in fire danger, outdoor debris burning remains prohibited. Conditions will continue to be monitored and restrictions may change as fire conditions change.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328

Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available online at our page, , and our website, www.swofire.com.

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝘿𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀: Fire danger decreasing to high, IFPL dropping to Level 2 in Jackson and Josephine counties.Followi...
09/02/2026

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝘿𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀: Fire danger decreasing to high, IFPL dropping to Level 2 in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Following recent light rainfall and a trend of cooler temperatures, including continued lower overnight temperatures, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District in Jackson and Josephine counties is decreasing from “extreme” (red) to “high” (yellow), effective immediately on September 2, 2026. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is also decreasing from Level 3 (three) to Level 2 (two).

This change affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The recent change in weather has helped ease fire conditions across the district. However, fire season remains in effect, and restrictions remain in place, including the prohibition on outdoor debris burning. Vegetation can dry quickly following rainfall, and fires remain very possible. The public is asked to continue following all current fire prevention regulations and use caution when working outdoors.

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and the updated restrictions affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, w**d eaters and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will now be allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Mowing green, irrigated lawns is allowed at any time.

Other fire prevention regulations that remain in effect include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.

• No fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected land. Fireworks are prohibited on all BLM land.

• Exploding targets and tracer am******on, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

• Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves or fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation.

• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5-pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.

• Smoking while traveling is allowed only in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and in other specifically designated locations.

• Chainsaws, including equipment using string or metal blades, may not be used between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. During hours outside of this time frame, this equipment may be used, but requires the operator to have one shovel and one 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after use.

• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. These activities are allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is available at the job site.

• Mowing dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. This includes equipment powered by gas, electricity or batteries. This restriction does not include mowing green, irrigated lawns or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Use is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is available at the job site.

• Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and installed and used in compliance with the controller’s instructions for fire-safe operation.

For industrial operations, under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up 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

Fire season remains in effect, and all other restrictions remain in place. Conditions will continue to be monitored and restrictions may change as fire conditions change.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

Medford Unit
5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point
(541) 664-3328

Grants Pass Unit
5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass
(541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available on our page, , and at www.swofire.com.

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Following yesterday’s thunderstorms, firefighters continued responding and searching into the ...
09/02/2026

𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Following yesterday’s thunderstorms, firefighters continued responding and searching into the night for fires sparked by lightning.

Last night, our Type 3 helicopter, equipped with specialized night-vision capabilities, also searched areas where lightning strikes were recorded for signs of new fires.

• Conde Creek Road Fire: A single lightning-struck tree with minimal spread into the surrounding wildland. The fire is 100% wet lined at 0.10 of an acre.

• Sky Road Fire: The fire is 100% wet lined and 50% hand lined, with a final size of 0.68 of an acre. Firefighters continue working the fire and strengthening line. The photos included with this post are from the Sky Road Fire.

• Soda Conde Road Fire: Estimated at 0.10 of an acre. Firefighters are continuing to work on a lightning-struck tree and the surrounding area.

• Old Highway 99 Fire: A single lightning-struck tree with minimal spread into the surrounding wildland. The fire is 100% lined and has been mopped up.

More rain is in the forecast today, firefighters and detection specialists will continue looking for any signs of holdover fires in areas impacted by lightning. Even with precipitation, lightning-caused fires can smolder in trees, stumps or vegetation for hours or even days before becoming visible.

If you see smoke or signs of a possible fire, please call it in. Early reports can help firefighters locate and respond to new starts quickly.

We’ll continue updating this post if any additional lightning-caused fires are reported or located.

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𝙏𝙃𝙐𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙈𝙎 𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘼𝙍𝙀𝘼: Thunderstorms have been moving through southern Oregon today, bringing lightning and rain to parts of the region. We are currently responding to two reports of fires in Jackson County following this storm activity.

Even when thunderstorms bring rain, lightning strikes can still start fires. Some may become visible right away, while others can smolder before producing noticeable smoke.

Our firefighters are responding to the current reports, and our detection specialists will continue monitoring areas where lightning strikes were recorded over the next several days for any signs of smoke or fire. This post will be updated if any lightning-caused fires are reported or located.

𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟯:𝟬𝟱 𝗣𝗠: Firefighters have stopped forward progression of the fire, holding it at an estimated 1 acre.Air A...
08/25/2026

𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟯:𝟬𝟱 𝗣𝗠: Firefighters have stopped forward progression of the fire, holding it at an estimated 1 acre.

Air Attack has been canceled, while a Type 2 and Type 3 helicopter remain en route to support resources on the ground. Crews will continue strengthening lines and mopping up the fire.
The official cause of the fire is under investigation.

This will be the final update unless conditions significantly change.
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𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙉𝙊𝙒: We’re responding alongside our agency partners Illinois Valley Fire District, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and Rural Metro Fire - Josephine County to a grass fire along Airport Drive in Cave Junction.

Multiple engines, a dozer and a hand crew are en route. Our Type 3, Type 2 helicopters and Air Attack are also en route to support the response.

Please avoid the area and give responding resources room to work. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟭:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠: Thanks to an aggressive initial attack, firefighters were able to catch the fire at 1.5 acres desp...
08/24/2026

𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟭:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠: Thanks to an aggressive initial attack, firefighters were able to catch the fire at 1.5 acres despite today’s critical fire weather conditions. Hose lay is now around the entire perimeter.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for multiple areas of the Rogue Valley today. Red Flag Warnings are issued when weather and fuel conditions combine to create the potential for rapid fire growth and increased fire behavior.

Multiple aircraft have been released from the incident, including a Type 2 and Type 3 helicopter. Firefighters will remain on scene mopping up, searching for and extinguishing remaining heat and further securing the perimeter.

The official cause is under investigation. This will be the final update unless conditions significantly change.

*Due to technical issues with a video attached to the original post, we are resharing this information*

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𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟭𝟮:𝟱𝟱 𝗣𝗠: Firefighters have established a wet line around the fire and are continuing an aggressive initial attack. The fire is still putting up smoke as crews work to strengthen the wet line and secure the perimeter.

Multiple additional aircraft are en route to support firefighters on the ground. The last reported size was 3 to 4 acres.

More updates will be provided as they become available.
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𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟭𝟮:𝟯𝟱 𝗣𝗠: The fire is estimated at 3 to 4 acres and is burning at a moderate rate of spread.

Firefighters are continuing an aggressive initial attack. Additional aircraft have been ordered, including two Type 1 helicopters, to support suppression efforts from the air.

More updates will be provided as they become available.
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𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙉𝙊𝙒: We’re responding to a grass fire in the 5000 block of East Evans Creek Road. Multiple ground resources are on scene and working an aggressive initial attack.

Our Type 3 helicopter and Air Attack are en route to support suppression efforts from the air.

Please avoid the area and give responding resources room to work. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟯:𝟰𝟱 𝗣𝗠: Forward progression of the fire has been stopped despite hot, dry and windy conditions. Thanks to ...
08/23/2026

𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟯:𝟰𝟱 𝗣𝗠: Forward progression of the fire has been stopped despite hot, dry and windy conditions. Thanks to an aggressive initial attack from firefighters on the ground and aircraft, the fire remains estimated at two acres.

Crews are continuing to strengthen the perimeter and secure the fire.

This will be the final update unless conditions significantly change.
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𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠: Firefighters are now on scene of the grass fire along Prospect Road in the Butte Falls area. The fire is currently estimated at two acres.

An aggressive initial attack is underway from the air and ground. Air Attack is on scene coordinating aerial operations, while helicopters are actively making bucket drops on the fire.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙉𝙊𝙒: We’re responding to a grass fire in the Butte Falls area along Prospect Road. Our Type 3 helicopter and two Type 2 helicopters are en route, along with multiple ground resources.

Please avoid the area and give firefighters and responding resources room to work safely. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

08/22/2026

Today is the last shift for ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 on the Fielder Mountain Fire, and we are so thankful for the help and support we've received on this incident. Following mop-up efforts and repair work across the incident, the fire is now 93% contained.

Incident Commander Dan Quinones offers a few words as our team transfers over the incident back to the local district.

Este será el último comunicado de prensa sobre el Incendio Fielder Mountain, a menos que las condiciones cambien muchoEl...
08/21/2026

Este será el último comunicado de prensa sobre el Incendio Fielder Mountain, a menos que las condiciones cambien mucho

El Incendio Fielder Mountain tiene una contención de 81%, El ODF CIMT 1 pasa el mando del incidente de vuelta al distrito

ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – Continúa el progreso en todo el Incendio Fielder Mountain ya que los recursos casi terminan las obras de liquidación y reparaciones. Los bomberos han avanzado bastante en los últimos turnos y la contención del incendio ahora está en el 81%. Debido a que ya casi ha finalizado este trabajo, el Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes Complejos (CIMT) 1 del Departamento de Silvicultura de Oregón (ODF) transferirá el mando del incendio de nuevo al Distrito ODF Suroeste de Oregón a las 6:00pm esta tarde.

Durante el último día, el personal local del distrito ha acompañado al CIMT 1 de la ODF para ponerse a la corriente sobre el estado del incendio y el trabajo que tiene que completarse. Durante el turno diurno de hoy habrá otra oportunidad para intercambiar información, lo que resultará en una transición suave tanto dentro como fuera del cortafuego.

Los bomberos que siguen asignados al incendio seguirán liquidando a lo largo de las líneas de control oeste y norte para extinguir cualquier foco de calor que quede dentro de los primeros 300 pies del borde del incendio. En todo el incidente sigue también el trabajo de reparación, y los recursos continúan construyendo barras de agua y nivelando los terraplenes de las excavadoras. Permanecerán abiertas las carreteras en la zona del incendio para que se puedan usar en el futuro si es necesario.

Se pronostican tormentas aisladas para el día de hoy para el sur de Oregón y más allá. Se prevén temperaturas en torno a los 95 grados. Rayos que suceden sobre vegetación seca pueden provocar nuevos incendios forestales de forma natural, y mientras el CIMT 1 de ODF está en transición tras el incidente, el personal del equipo está disponible para ayudar en cualquier inicio de incendio grande en la zona si el distrito local lo pide.

Aunque no se pueden prevenir los incendios causados por rayos, sí se pueden evitar los que son causados por humanos; ayude a prevenir nuevos incendios forestales siguiendo todas las normativas vigentes, que se encuentran aquí: www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx y https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. Estas actividades cotidianas son conocidas por causar incendios, y seguir las normativas disminuye los arranques accidentales humanos.

Esta será la última actualización del Incendio Fielder Mountain, a menos que las condiciones cambien mucho. Siempre existe información local sobre incendios en https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest y www.swofire.com

Address

5286 Table Rock Road
Central Point, OR
97502

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15416643328

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