October 26, 2026 9:40 a.m.
The Douglas Forest Protective Association officially ended the 2026 fire season Monday morning at 8:01 a.m.
A DFPA release said this applies to lands under their protection and management. Public Information Officer Rachael Pope said the end of fire season is a result of wetting rains and an overall cooling trend that has returned to the area. Pope said with the end of the fire season, the public and industrial restrictions implemented through DFPA will no longer be in effect.
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 may vary between local fire districts. Pope said the only type of burning that requires a permit from DFPA outside of fire season is for the burning of logging slash. Any commercial tree harvest that requires excess debris to be burned constitutes logging slash and, therefore, requires a burn permit. Permits to burn logging slash can be obtained by calling DFPA at 541-672-6507.
Despite the fire season ending, fire officials advise residents to 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 precede them.
When burning yard debris, residents should ensure they have an adequate fire trail around the pile before ignition begins and have fire tools and a water supply at the burn site. Debris piles should never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished before leaving the area. If a debris burn does escape containment, the party responsible may be held financially responsible for the resulting fire suppression costs and associated damage.
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 to the woods.
A list of fire restrictions and closures in place through private industrial landowners can be found online at https://ofic.com/private-forestland-closures/.