Many days of 80- and 90-degree temperatures have dried wildland vegetation to the point where fires will start easily and be more difficult to control. To cut down on human-caused fires during this time, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District will raise the fire danger level to High (yellow) at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17.
Fire Restrictions
The newly adopted City Municipal Code 9.15 Regulated Closure Fire Restrictions are now in effect within the City of Grants Pass:
The following Grants Pass fire season regulations will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2020
- Smoking in areas of flammable vegetation is prohibited.
- Open wood fueled fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane and natural gas fueled ornamental fires are allowed.
- Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Each power saw is required to have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity. A firewatch of at least one hour is required following the use of the saw.
- Cutting, grinding and welding of metal in areas of flammable vegetation in not allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- The mowing of dried, cured grass will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
- Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine in areas of flammable vegetation not specifically mentioned will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, this equipment must be used in a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available.
The following fire prevention regulations remain in effect on Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands
- Fire-fighting equipment will be required to be carried in vehicles that travel off of state highways, county roads or driveways. This equipment includes one shovel and a one-gallon container of water or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger).
- Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are required to have a 2.5 lb. or larger fire extinguisher.
- Motorized vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. This regulation does not apply to farm vehicles used for the culture and harvest of crops.
- Campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations.
- Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, in a boat on the water, or in a cleared area within a campsite.
- Fireworks are not allowed to be used in any wildland or forest area.
- Debris burning is not allowed.
- Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are not to be used except in an approved range that has been cleared of flammable vegetation.
- Electric fence controllers must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, be properly grounded, and tested regularly to ensure firesafe operation.
For more information about the City of Grants Pass Fire Season regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200
Current Wildfire Information
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Evacuation and Fire Map
Check the Jackson and Josephine County Wildfire Activity map for fire boundaries and evacuation levels.
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Other Information