DFPA NEWS RELEASE- PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION LEVEL INCREASE: EXTREME

CORRECTION: The Douglas Forest Protective Association is retracting the Public Service Announcement (PSA) issued earlier this morning and replacing it with the attached updated version.

The increase to Extreme Public Use Restrictions will become effective Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (noon).

Due to an increase in temperatures, decreased relative humidity, and critically dry fuel moisture conditions, effective Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. (NOON), the Fire Danger Level and Public Use Restriction Level will increase to EXTREME for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) within the Douglas District will remain at IFPL LEVEL 3 in regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What does this change mean to the public?

The following activities are now PROHIBITED on protected lands within the Douglas District:

• Non-industrial power saw use

• Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal

• Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass

• Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development projects on private property

The State Forester or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. These restrictions will remain in effect until replaced or terminated by an additional Closedown Order issued by the State Forester or an authorized representative.

Fire Season Public Safety Reminders

As fire danger reaches EXTREME, everyone has a responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Please remember:

• Never park or drive over dry grass. A vehicle's hot exhaust system or catalytic converter can ignite dry vegetation in seconds.

• Maintain your vehicle and trailer. Inspect for dragging safety chains, worn brakes, leaking fluids, and other mechanical issues that could produce sparks or start a fire.

• Open fires are PROHIBITED, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except in designated locations where allowed.

• Debris burning is PROHIBITED, including the use of burn barrels.

• Fireworks, tracer ammunition, and exploding targets are PROHIBITED on protected lands.

• Dispose of smoking materials properly. Never discard cigarettes or other smoking materials onto the ground or from a moving vehicle.

• Know before you go. Check current fire restrictions and obey all posted closures and regulations before recreating outdoors.

• Report smoke immediately by calling 9-1-1. Prompt reporting allows firefighters to respond quickly and increases the chances of keeping fires small.

With hot temperatures, low humidity, and dry fuels, a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Every fire prevented helps protect lives, homes, forests, and the firefighters who respond.

Maps of the affected area may be viewed at the State Forester's Office in Salem, Oregon, and at principal offices of the Forest Protection District. Definitions of words and phrases used in this proclamation may be found in ORS 477.001 and OAR 629-041-0005.

For additional information, visit www.dfpa.net, follow the Douglas Forest Protective Association on Facebook (Douglas Forest Protective Association) and Instagram (@douglasfpa), or contact the DFPA office at (541) 672-6507.