May 22, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

With the long Memorial Day weekend approaching, the Douglas Forest Protective Association is encouraging residents to help keep communities and forests safe from wildfire.

Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said warmer temperatures, dry conditions and increasing fire danger across the Douglas District means it only takes one small spark to start a wildfire. Pope said with the neighboring Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District in Josephine and Jackson counties already in fire season, and fire season expected to start soon in the Douglas District, everyone is encouraged to use extra caution outdoors. Pope said whether camping, recreating outdoors, towing a trailer, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, residents need to practice safety.

Residents are also encouraged to discontinue debris burning and transition to covering prepared piles now for safer burning later in the year. Pope said covering debris piles before fall rains arrive helps keep material dry and allows for cleaner, more efficient burning once fire season ends and conditions improve.

More safety information from the Douglas Forest Protective Association is available at: www.541radio.com