October 9, 2023 11:20 a.m.
The Douglas Forest Protective Association has ended fire season for the lands that are under its protection as of 12:00 p.m. Monday.
Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said this is a result of the recent wetting rains and the overall cooling trend that has returned to the area.
Pope said with the end of fire season, the public and industrial restrictions through DFPA are no longer in effect.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 type of debris burning as 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 harvesting 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 672-6507.
Pope said 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.
Pope said when burning yard debris, make sure to 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 escapes containment, the responsible party may be held financially responsible for the resulting fire suppression costs and associated damages.
Those choosing to recreate 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 and 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.
More Information is available at: www.dfpa..net