October 10, 2025 11:00 a.m. 

The Douglas Forest Protective Association officially ended fire season on Friday at 9:00 a.m.

Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said this applies for lands under their protection and management. Pope said the end of fire season is a result of recent wetting rains and an overall cooling trend that has returned to the area.

With the end of fire season, the public and industrial fire restrictions implemented through DFPA are no longer in effect.

A list of fire restrictions and closures in place through private industrial landowners can be found online: https://ofic.com/private-forestland-closures/

Pope said backyard debris burning outside of incorporated cities will be allowed without a burn permit from DFPA. However, residents should contact their local fire department before conducting any debris burning, as fire restrictions 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. Permits can be obtained by calling DFPA at 672-6507.

Pope said despite the fire season ending, residents should exercise caution when burning yard debris or using fire in the woods. Several days of sunshine and dry weather during the fall months can create a fire risk, even if a week or more of cool, wet conditions proceed them.

Pope said those recreating in wildland areas are reminded that private industrial landowners and neighboring 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 public land management agency for the location they plan to recreate before heading into the woods.

For more information on the Douglas Forest Protective Association, go to: www.dfpa.net