Ashland’s firefighters have been called to wildfires all over Oregon and California in the past decade including the 2018 Camp Fire, 2025 Palisades Fire, and of course our own Almeda Fire in 2020. Being properly trained for challenging assignments is part of the job, and this week Ashland’s firefighters will train for the upcoming fire season through prescribed burning which reduces summer fire risk in the lower Ashland Watershed.
On April 21 , 22, and 30 each shift will work with trainers on staff and with the U.S. Forest Service and Grayback Forestry to practice using fire to fight fire. Knowing how to “back burn” during a fire response is an essential skill structural firefighters don’t often get to practice. The training helps re-familiarize fire crews with the terrain and area, as well as refines skills for response so unintentional fires can be kept small. The burns will be less than an acre, within containment lines, and under a permit from the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Controlled Burn Locations and Smoke: Ashland Fire & Rescue has the controlled burns planned for several one-acre or smaller parcels up the USFS 2060 road (sometimes called Lithia Loop or Horn Gap Road) a mile above Granite Street. Please see the map below.
Smoke may be visible but is not expected to impact the community. We encourage people to avoid the west side 2060 Road and the Wonder Trail on training days. Signs will be posted.
Thank you for your patience while we get ready for the summer season!