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?

The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) operates under the authority delegated by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The State Forester grants authority to DFPA to administer and enforce Oregon's forest fire protection laws within the Douglas District.

This authority allows DFPA to:

Declare and terminate fire season within the Douglas District (lands protected by DFPA; regulated use areas DG1, DG2, UA1, UA2, and all lands within one-eigth mile thereof) .
Implement and adjust Public Use Restrictions (PURs) based on current fire danger and conditions.
Establish Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPLs) and regulate industrial operations on protected lands.
Enforce Oregon's forest fire prevention laws and administrative rules to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Implement regulated closures when conditions present an extreme threat to public safety and natural resources.

DFPA's authority is established through Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 477 and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 629, including but not limited to:

Fire Season Declarations: ORS 477.508
Public Use Restrictions and Prohibited Activities: ORS 477.510, ORS 477.512, and ORS 477.515
Regulated Closures: ORS 477.535–477.550
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels: ORS 477.625, ORS 477.670, and OAR 629-043-0070
Additional Fire Prevention Requirements: ORS Chapter 477 and OAR Chapter 629, Divisions 41–43

These authorities enable DFPA to take proactive actions that protect lives, communities, and the 1.6 million acres of forestlands within the Douglas District from wildfire.

How is DFPA funded?

DFPA is primarily funded through assessments paid by protected forest and grazing land owners within the district. Additional funding is provided through cooperative agreements with the Oregon Department of Forestry and local, tribal, state, and federal partners that support fire protection and suppression efforts. Forest fuels reduction, community wildfire risk reduction, and prevention programs are often funded through competitive state and federal grant opportunities.

How is DFPA governed?

DFPA is governed by an 11-member Executive Board of Directors. The Board represents a diverse cross-section of the Association's membership, including representatives from the timber industry, grazing interests, small woodland owners, an at-large representative, and ex officio members. The Board provides strategic oversight and helps guide DFPA's mission of protecting life, natural resources, and property from wildland fire through effective prevention and suppression efforts.

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.

When is the application period for seasonal employment?

Applications for seasonal employment typically open in February each year. An electronic fillable application is available on our Employment page and can be emailed to applydfpa@odf.oregon.gov. Applicants may also submit a printed application by mail or in person at:

Douglas Forest Protective Association
1758 NE Airport Road
Roseburg, OR 97470

Applications are generally reviewed in April, with interviews taking place in late April and throughout May. Seasonal employee onboarding typically begins in June.

Depending on staffing needs and position availability, applications may continue to be accepted into June. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible for the best opportunity to be considered.

What seasonal positions does DFPA hire each fire season?

Each fire season, the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) recruits for three types of seasonal positions:

Wildland Firefighter (Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) required)
Fire Detection Camera Operator
Wildland Fire Dispatcher

Each position plays a vital role in protecting the forests, communities, and natural resources within the Douglas District. Seasonal employees receive training specific to their position and work as part of a team dedicated to wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression.

Visit our Employment page for position descriptions, minimum qualifications, and application information.

Does DFPA attend career fairs or visit schools?

Yes! The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) participates in several career fairs throughout Douglas County each year to educate students and job seekers about careers in wildland fire and forestry.

In addition to career fairs, DFPA provides presentations for classrooms, school assemblies, and special career events. We also offer opportunities for fire science, emergency management, forestry, and other related classes to visit our headquarters and learn more about wildland fire operations and career paths.

If you are interested in having DFPA present to your school, classroom, or organization, please contact us. We'd be happy to discuss availability and add your event to our outreach schedule.

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.

Are there fire restrictions on recreational shooting?

Recreational shooting is not specifically restricted under DFPA's Public Use Restrictions on lands protected by DFPA. However, shooters are responsible for preventing wildfires.

Avoid shooting in dry vegetation.

Avoid shooting at metal targets that can create sparks.

Avoid shooting steel core ammunition.

NEVER use exploding targets or tracer/incendiary ammunition.

(restrictions are in place for specific ammunition).

ALWAYS have fire suppression tools available.

On federal lands managed by the BLM or U.S. Forest Service, additional shooting restrictions or closures may be in effect during fire season. Always check with the appropriate land management agency before heading out.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)