Fire season begins in the ODF Central OR district

JOHN DAY/BURNS/FOSSIL – (Press release from the Central Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry)

The fire season on all lands protected by the Central Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will begin at 12:01 a.m. on June 10, 2024. As of this Monday, the fire risk level of District Fire will be “Moderate” and Industrial Fire Precautionary Level (IFPL) will be I (one) in MH-4 and MH-1 (Hood River and Wasco County).

Earlier this year, fire managers were optimistic about this year's fire season due to the higher than normal snowpack. However, due to decreasing spring rains, rising temperatures and windy conditions, the district's fine fuels began to dry out significantly.

So far this year, the district has seen 16 fires, half of which were burned debris. Debris burning is the number one cause of human-caused fires. Most central Oregon counties have also adopted debris burning bans. Be sure to check fire restrictions in your area. ODF recommends covering your pile until the fall rainy season, when it is safer to burn.

With this in mind, the Central District of Oregon will begin implementing restrictions based on fire risk level. The moderate fire danger level restricts the following activities:

• No burning of debris, including piles and burn barrels, unless authorized by the local forester.

• No fireworks on or within 1/8 mile of ODF protected lands.

• Explosive targets and tracer munitions, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

• Do not smoke when traveling or working in an area of ​​operation.

In addition to the fire prevention requirements of IFPL I (un), the following provisions will come into force:

• Fire monitoring is required for at least one hour during breaks and at the end of the operating period.

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply based on different fire hazards throughout the fire season.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging residents not to be complacent when it comes to wildfire prevention. The fewer human-caused fires, the less strain on district resources. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org

For more information on Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit Check your local restrictions at