ROSEBURG, OR – June 16, 2009 – The Douglas Forest Protective Association and Umpqua National Forest announced today that fire season will officially begin at 1:00 a.m., Friday, June 19. The start of fire season means the end of unregulated outside debris burning for rural Douglas County residents. It also activates industrial fire restrictions on all private, county, state and federal lands.

The season starts with Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 1, which requires industrial operators working in wildland areas to secure specified fire tools. Smoking is also prohibited while working on or traveling through an industrial operation and a fire watch service is required at all industrial operation sites. As fire season progresses, additional closures and restrictions may be imposed as weather conditions become more severe.

On the Umpqua National Forest, firewood cutters must have an 8-ounce. fire extinguisher and a shovel. Power saws must be equipped with an approved screen. The Umpqua National Forest also requires that private firewood cutters remain in the area for one hour to watch for fires.

OUTDOOR BURNING O.K. WITH PERMIT THROUGH END OF JUNE

Beginning Friday, rural Douglas County residents wishing to burn debris must obtain a permit following an on-sight inspection from a DFPA Forest Officer. Burn permits are required for all types of outside burning, including debris burning in burn barrels. Permits are free of charge and may be obtained by calling DFPA at (541) 672-6507. Outdoor debris burning will be allowed through June 30th only. Backyard burning will be prohibited after July 1st. Residents within an incorporated city or inside Douglas County Fire District #2 or South Umpqua, Riddle and Calapooya rural fire districts should call their local fire department.

Those wishing to burn yard debris before Friday are encouraged to exercise caution. First, construct a fire trail down to mineral soil around debris burn piles or incinerators. Keep a charged garden hose nearby and never leave the burn site unattended until the fire is completely out. Fire managers advise residents with large, machine constructed piles to wait until a DFPA forest officer can properly inspect the site for a safe burn. Now is also a good time to recheck piles that were burned earlier this spring. Piles can hold fire for several months and reignite on dry, windy days.

For further information on burning restrictions and closures on lands protected by DFPA, call its Closure Information Line at 672-0379, or visit its web site at www.dfpa.net. For burning permits or other business, call the DFPA headquarters at 672-6507.

For questions regarding the Umpqua National Forest, contact the office in your area: Roseburg– 672-6601; Glide – 496-3532; Tiller – 825-3100; Diamond Lake – 498-2531; Cottage Grove – 767-5000. Or visit its web site at www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua.

June 15, 2009

Fire Season Begins Friday, June 19 Burning Permits Required Through June 30

Fire Season Begins Friday, June 19
Burning Permits Required Through June 30