November 2, 2022 3:20 a.m.

A persistent weather pattern of cooler temperatures and consistent rain has prompted a decrease in restrictions for industrial slash burning, effective immediately, by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.

Public Information Officer Natalie Weber said as a result, prescribed fire and industrial slash burning may increase in high-elevation, remote areas throughout Josephine and Jackson counties.

Weber said these restrictions are specifically for industrial use and are separate from general public debris burning regulations. Before a debris or barrel burn, members of the public should first contact their local fire district for any needed permits, and on the day of the debris burn, contact the appropriate county burn line to confirm it is a burn day.

More information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available at: www.swofire.com.