June 16, 2026 3:05 a.m. 

As summer approaches and southwest Oregon experiences unseasonably hot and dry weather, firefighting resources on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest have completed pre-season training and Ranger Districts across the forest are staffed in preparation for a busy summer of initial attack.

A RRSNF update said the staffing levels of firefighters on each Ranger District will expand and contract as needed throughout the season, and is determined by a matrix of factors, including:

• Predicted lightning, wind and other weather events
• fuel conditions
• terrain accessibility
• anticipated recreational activity

Engines, crews and equipment are staged in strategic locations and perform regular patrols across the forest, always on the lookout and prepared for any new fire starts.

The release said aerial reconnaissance in both fixed wing and rotor wing platforms are also at-the-ready and available, performing regular detection flights as the risk for wildfire increases. Multiple staffed fire lookouts provide an added layer of reconnaissance for firefighters on the ground as well.

For information on fire restrictions and other information about the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/rogue-siskiyou