October 12, 2020 10:30 a.m. 

The Douglas Forest Protective Association has officially ended fire season as of 12:00 p.m. on Monday, within the Douglas District.

Kyle Reed of DFPA said that’s a result of recent wetting rains and an overall cooling trend which has returned to the area.

Reed said DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions and industrial fire restrictions are no longer in affect. Backyard debris burning outside of incorporated cities will be allowed without a burn permit from DFPA. However, Reed said residents should contact their local fire department before conducting any type of debris burning as fire restrictions may vary between local fire districts.

The only type of burning that requires a permit from DFPA outside of fire season is for the burning of logging slash. Any type of commercial tree harvest that requires excess debris to be burned constitutes logging slash and therefore requires a permit. It can be obtained by contacting DFPA at 672-6507.

Reed said despite fire season coming to an end, residents should exercise caution when burning yard debris or using fire in the woods. He said several days of sunshine and dry weather during fall months can create a fire risk even if a week or more of rainy, cool conditions proceed them.

Those choosing to recreate in wildland areas are reminded that private industrial landowners and public land management agencies may still have fire restrictions or closures in place on the lands they own or manage. Recreationists should check with the appropriate landowner or agency before heading into the woods.