Riddle Fire Protection District

09/02/2026

🔥 FRIENDLY REMINDER — FIRE SEASON IS STILL IN EFFECT 🔥

While we received some much-needed rain this morning and are enjoying cooler temperatures, fire season remains in effect.

🚫 Debris burning is still prohibited.

The recent rain is certainly welcome, but it does not mean fire season is over. Fuels can dry back out quickly, and fire restrictions remain in place until fire season is officially declared over.

We appreciate everyone continuing to follow the current fire restrictions and helping us keep our community safe.

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2026

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Fire Danger & Restriction Decrease for Douglas District

Due to decreased temperatures and precipitation across lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), Public Use Restriction Levels will decrease to LOW effective 12:01 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2026, for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will decrease to Level 2, effective 12:01 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2026, within the Douglas Forest Protection District, all regulated use areas, and all forestlands within one-eighth mile of those areas, including lands managed by the Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

IFPL (Industrial Fire Precaution Level) levels within the Douglas Forest Protection District will change to IFPL LEVEL 2, in regulated use area (s) DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What does this change mean to the public?

The reduction in restriction levels reflects improved fuel moisture conditions; however, the public is reminded that fire season remains in effect, and caution should continue to be exercised when using fire or equipment outdoors.

Low Public Use Restrictions

Non-industrial power saw usage, cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass, and power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property is allowed ALL DAY.

Off-Road Driving Allowed with Landowner Permission for Motor Vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for cultivating and harvesting agricultural crops. In addition, each passenger vehicle traveling on forestlands, except on state highways, county roads, and driveways, must have an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or a 2 ½ pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher. ATVs must have a 2½-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2

IFPL Level 2 applies to all lands protected by DFPA within regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, and UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.
Under IFPL Level 2, the following activities may only operate between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.:

• Power saws (except power saws operating at loading sites);
• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws;
• Cable yarding;
• Blasting; and
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal.

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Know Before You Go: Labor Day weekend often marks the unofficial end of summer as the school year begins, but it does not signal the end of fire season. While fire danger levels have decreased, the potential for a wildfire start has not ended, and fire season remains in place. Before heading out, know the current fire restrictions and check your vehicle and trailer for anything that could create sparks. Secure trailer chains and never park on dry grass or brush. Campfires are only permitted in designated locations and must be fully extinguished before leaving. If using a barbecue or grill, keep it away from dry vegetation and never leave it unattended. Help protect our communities and forests this Labor Day weekend: Drive safe, use fire responsibly, and prevent wildfires.

For more information, visit www.dfpa.net or call the office
at (541) 672-6507, excluding federal holidays.

DFPA administrative offices will be closed to the public on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

08/21/2026

PLAN AHEAD: The weekend forecast is looking rough with hot, dry conditions coupled with thunderstorms and gusty winds. Please pay attention to these Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches issued by the National Weather Service.

Prevent wildfires by avoiding mowing or using equipment in the after. If a blade hits a rock and throws a spark, a wildfire can start. Don't park on tall, dry grass. Make sure tow changes are secure and not dragging on the road.

Be prepared. Know the evacuation levels, sign up for alerts, have a plan in case you are put under an evacuation notice.

PREVENTION: https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx
ALERTS: https://oralert.gov
FORECAST: https://www.weather.gov/fire

08/12/2026

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) has responded to multiple Public Use Restriction violations in the past week, including prohibited debris burning.

This is a reminder to the public that violations will result in citations and fines. If an unauthorized fire escapes, causes damage or requires firefighting resources, you may be responsible for damages and suppression costs.

A VIOLATION WILL FOLLOW YOU FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.

All violations are tracked statewide.

FIRE DANGER LEVEL CHANGE

Due to decreased temperatures and improved overnight moisture recovery, the fire danger level and public use restrictions will decrease to HIGH, effective 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

What does this change mean to the public?

With the fire danger level changing to HIGH, certain activities that were previously prohibited will now be allowed during specific hours.

Non-industrial power saw usage, the cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, the cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass, and power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property will now be allowed BEFORE 10 AM or AFTER 8 PM.

There is no change to the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL). IFPL will remain at LEVEL 3 district wide.

08/09/2026

Your Riddle Firefighters are Deployed to The Dalles as Part of OSFM Task Force 66.

Today, three Riddle Fire District firefighters deployed with our tyoe 3 engine as part of Task Force 66 joining Roseburg Fire, Central Douglas F&R, Tenmile Fire, and Sutherlin fire. They have been pre-positioned in The Dalles Oregon, due to forecasted elevated fire danger and increased wildfire potential.

A pre-position assignment places firefighting resources closer to areas where fire weather conditions indicate an increased risk of significant incidents. By moving personnel and equipment into these areas before fires start, firefighters can respond more quickly if they are needed, helping protect lives, homes, businesses, and communities.

Your Riddle firefighters are deployed to provide structural fire protection while working alongside our wildland firefighting partners. While wildland crews focus on containing and suppressing wildfires, OSFM task forces are specifically assigned to help protect structures threatened by wildfire.

08/03/2026

07/30/2026

Your Riddle Firefighters responded to multiple reports of natural cover fires on Pruner Road this morning. Multiple callers reported seeing two fires burning up the hillside across from DR Johnson Lumber Co.

The first arriving brush unit immediately identified three separate columns of smoke, which ultimately led crews to five separate fires.

The first fire was located in the 600 block of E. Fifth Avenue and was approximately 1/1000th of an acre. Crews quickly extinguished the fire before responding to the second incident.

The second fire was located in the 1900 block of Pruner Road and was also approximately 1/1000th of an acre. After a quick knockdown, firefighters continued to a third fire in the same area, which was also contained at approximately 1/1000th of an acre.

Crews then responded to a fourth fire in the 1800 block of Pruner Road that was actively spreading uphill. Firefighters were able to stop the fire at approximately 1/10th of an acre, preventing further spread into nearby vegetation.

A fifth fire was located near Happy Donut on South Old Pacific Highway and was extinguished by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and Tri-City Rural Fire Protection District.

Thanks to the quick reporting by community members and the rapid response of firefighters and bystanders, all five fires were contained before they could grow into larger incidents.

******The cause of the fires is vehicle related.******

Also assisting on scene: Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), Canyonville South Umpqua Fire Department , Cow Creek Tribal Fire, and Tri City Rural Fire Protection District 4.

Quick Safety Message from DFPA. With warm temperatures, dry vegetation, and elevated fire danger across the district, DFPA reminds the public that even small roadside ignitions can quickly become fast-moving wildfires. Motorists are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire. Never park or drive through dry vegetation, and when towing a trailer, make sure safety chains are properly secured and not dragging. If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Serving our community!

07/23/2026

Heading to the Brewer Fire near Prineville Oregon with our type 3 wildland 2180 is Captain Blake Ray , firefighter Diego Wynegar and Chris Murphy. They will join with a task force from Douglas county and mobilize with the OSFM.