June 6, 2023 10:50 a.m.
The Douglas Forest Protective Association, the Umpqua National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management have announced that the 2023 fire season will begin on Friday.
All private, county, state and Bureau of Indian Affairs land within the Douglas District as well as public lands within the Umpqua National Forest and Roseburg District BLM are included in this fire season declaration, which imposes certain fire restrictions on the public and industrial operators to help prevent wildfires.
In addition to this declaration of fire season, the DFPA will implement Public Use Restrictions Friday, and the BLM Roseburg District will issue a Fire Prevention Order for BLM-administered lands. Public use restrictions will be assessed and announced later for the Umpqua National Forest.
The following fire prevention measures will be in effect:
*Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, boats on the water, and other designated locations
*Backyard debris burning, including the use of burn barrels is prohibited
*Open fire, including campfires, cooking and warming fires, are prohibited except at designated sites
BLM-designated sites are: Susan Creek Campground, Tyee Campground, Scaredman Campground, Eagleview Campground and Cavitt Creek Campground
Douglas County Parks designated sites include: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground
*Charcoal and pellet BBQ’s are only allowed at fully developed and maintained residential home sites when used in areas that are free of flammable vegetation
*The use of fireworks, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition is prohibited
*Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are only allowed on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation
DFPA’s fire restrictions are based on the official fire danger for the Douglas District and can be found online at www.dfpa.net, or by calling DFPA’s 24-hour information line at 672-0359.