bosque de douglas
Asociación Protectora
La temporada de incendios de 2022
Empieza:
VIERNES 24 DE JUNIO DE 2022 A LAS 0:01
Current Public Use Restriction Level:
MODERATE
PUBLIC Change Effective: 12:01AM 06/13/26
INDUSTRIAL Change Effective: 12:01AM 06/15/26
Frequently Asked
Questions
(FAQs)
Have questions about wildfire prevention, fire season restrictions, outdoor burning, campfires, or DFPA services? Our Frequently Asked Questions section provides quick answers to the topics we hear about most. Whether you're a homeowner, visitor, or landowner, you'll find helpful information to better understand wildfire safety, regulations, and how you can help protect our communities and natural resources.
About DFPA
What is DFPA?
The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) is a private nonprofit association established in 1912 that provides wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression on approximately 1.6 million acres of private, county, state, Bureau of Land Management, O&C, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within Douglas County.
What areas does DFPA protect?
DFPA protects approximately 1.6 million acres of protected forestlands throughout the Douglas District, including private, county, state, Bureau of Land Management, O&C, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands.
How does DFPA have authority?
DFPA operates under agreements with the Oregon Department of Forestry and is authorized through Oregon Revised Statutes to provide wildfire protection on designated forestlands within the Douglas District.
How is DFPA funded?
DFPA is funded through assessments paid by protected landowners, contracts with the Oregon Department of Forestry, and agreements with local, state, and federal partners.
Employment
Does DFPA have an internship program?
No. DFPA does not currently offer internship opportunities. Visit our Employment page for current openings.
Does DFPA hire 16- and 17-year-olds?
No. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by July 1 of the year they are applying.
Fire Season
When does fire season begin and end?
Fire season is declared based on weather and fuel conditions. The dates vary each year depending on wildfire risk.
How can I find out if fire season has been declared?
Current fire season declarations, Public Use Restrictions, and updates are posted on our website, Facebook page, Oregon Department of Forestry pages, local fire department websites, and through local news outlets.
What are Public Use Restrictions?
Public Use Restrictions (PURs) are rules designed to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during fire season. Restrictions may limit activities such as mowing, chainsaw use, campfires, smoking, and off-road travel depending on fire danger.
What do the Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) mean?
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels regulate commercial forest operations based on wildfire danger. As fire danger increases, additional restrictions are placed on industrial activities to reduce wildfire risk.
Why can industry continue to operate when I can't mow my lawn?
Industrial operations follow strict IFPL regulations, maintain firefighting equipment on-site, have trained personnel available, and often conduct fire watches after operations. Residential activities are not required to meet these safety standards, so different restrictions apply.
Do I need a permit to burn debris?
Yes. Burning regulations vary throughout the year. During burn season, permits may be required. During fire season, debris burning is generally prohibited. Contact DFPA before burning.
Can I have a campfire during fire season?
Campfires are only allowed in approved designated campfire sites unless otherwise prohibited. Always check the current Public Use Restrictions before having a campfire.
Can I use my outdoor pizza oven?
Permanently installed outdoor cooking appliances fueled by propane, natural gas, wood pellets, or charcoal may be allowed depending on current restrictions. Wood-fired appliances may be subject to additional restrictions. Check the current Public Use Restrictions or contact DFPA.
Can I designate my paved or rocked area as a campfire site?
No. Designated campfire sites must meet DFPA standards and receive approval. Simply having a paved or rocked area does not automatically qualify. Contact DFPA for more information.
Can I use my e-bike on outdoor trails?
E-bike use depends on land ownership and current restrictions. Some public lands allow e-bikes, while others prohibit motorized vehicles during fire season. Always check with the managing agency before riding.
How do I report a wildfire?
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see a wildfire or suspicious smoke. Early reporting helps firefighters respond quickly and keep fires small.
What information should I provide when reporting a fire?
Provide the fire's location, nearby roads or landmarks, estimated size, smoke color, what is burning (if known), wind conditions, and whether structures are threatened. Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to hang up.
How do I request records related to a fire investigation?
Public records requests may be submitted through the Oregon Department of Forestry's Public Records Request process. Some records may be exempt or unavailable while an investigation is ongoing.
Why are field burns allowed?
Agricultural field burning is regulated separately and conducted under specific permits and weather conditions to minimize smoke impacts and wildfire risk.
What is the callback timeframe for a waiver request?
DFPA strives to respond to waiver requests within one to three business days. Response times may vary depending on fire activity and request volume.
How can I find out if there are private land closures?
Private land closures are determined by individual landowners. Check directly with the landowner or visit our Private Land Closures page for available information and links.
Prevention
How can I reduce fire risk around my home?
Create defensible space, remove dead vegetation, clean roofs and gutters, maintain your landscape, and use fire-resistant building materials whenever possible.
How can I make my neighbors maintain their property?
DFPA cannot require private landowners to perform vegetation maintenance unless specific laws apply. We encourage neighbors to work together to improve community wildfire preparedness.
What is defensible space?
Defensible space is the area around a structure where vegetation and other combustible materials are managed to reduce wildfire intensity and improve firefighter access.
Are there resources available to help me prepare my property?
Yes. DFPA provides defensible space guidance, educational materials, Firewise resources, and wildfire preparedness information on our website. Grant funding for DFPA fuels crews to perform fuel reduction work is subject to funding availability, project scheduling, and eligibility requirements. Contact DFPA for more information.
Does DFPA offer grants?
No. DFPA does not administer grant programs or award grants to the public. However, we utilize grant funding to support wildfire prevention, education, and community risk reduction initiatives.
How are wildfires investigated?
Fire investigators examine the fire's origin and cause using evidence, witness statements, burn patterns, and other investigative techniques to determine how the fire started.
Can someone be held responsible for starting a wildfire?
Yes. Individuals who negligently or unlawfully cause a wildfire may be held civilly and criminally responsible for suppression costs and damages under Oregon law.
Can DFPA provide presentations for schools or community groups?
Yes. Our prevention staff offers educational presentations on wildfire preparedness, defensible space, fire prevention, and wildfire safety for schools, civic organizations, neighborhood associations, and community groups.
Can I request Smokey Bear to attend my event?
Yes. Smokey Bear appearances may be available for fire prevention-focused events, depending on scheduling and staffing. Contact DFPA well in advance to submit your request.
