News Flash

The fire danger level in the City of Ashland increases to “HIGH” (yellow) on July 2nd at 12:01 a.m. and restrictions begin on activities that can cause fires. Reminder: All fireworks are banned within the Ashland City limits.  Now is the time to ask: is your home prepared for wildfire?

The following restrictions on common fire starting activities are in effect in areas of dry vegetation and forestlands inside the Ashland City Limits and all ODF protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. Restrictions do not apply to green, irrigated landscapes. 

• Backyard fires of ANY kind are now prohibited in High and Extreme fire danger. Examples are fires in chimineas and fire pans or pits with screens.
• Campfire rings and charcoal BBQ’s (gas BBQ’s are still OK) in Lithia Park are closed.
• Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation.
• Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Additionally, saw users must have one shovel and one fire extinguisher (8 oz. capacity or greater) at the job site, and a fire watch must take place for one hour after the saw is shut down.
• Equipment used for the cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of any potentially flammable vegetation and other materials; a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger) must be at the job site, and a fire watch must take place for one hour after work is shut down.
• The cutting and mowing of dry, cured grass with gas-powered equipment will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This regulation does not apply to farm equipment used for the culture and harvest of crops or to battery-powered machinery. A fire watch must take place for one hour after cutting has shut down.
• The use of any other spark-emitting equipment using an internal combustion engine such as generators, wood-splitters, and weed eaters will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, this equipment must be used in a cleared area, and a garden hose or fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger) must be at the equipment site.

• Fire-fighting equipment will be required to be carried in vehicles that travel off state highways, county roads or driveways. This equipment includes one shovel and a one-gallon container of water or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger).

  What is NOT restricted at this time? 

  • Electric powered machinery such as electric weed whackers and electric mowers. 
  • Any work (gas-powered machinery included) in a green and irrigated landscape is allowed at any time during fire season.

The following restrictions remain in effect throughout the City of Ashland during summer Fire Season, including all irrigated landscapes: 

• All Outdoor Debris Burning is Prohibited 

 The following fire restrictions are in effect throughout the City of Ashland on all properties, at all times of the year: 

• Fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited throughout the year within the City of Ashland.

 WILDFIRE: ARE YOU READY? Ashland Fire & Rescue asks that all Ashland residents remember the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation levels. Be prepared for the possibility of evacuation at READY or Level 1. Be READY now by signing up for emergency alerts, preparing an emergency and personal “Go kit”, develop an evacuation plan, and help firefighters save your home by removing flammable plants and debris around your home, roof, and gutters.   MORE INFORMATIONFind the most current City of Ashland fire danger and restrictions here, or by contacting Ashland Fire & Rescue at 541-482-2770.   Regional fire season information for private, BLM, and all non-federal lands can be found on the ODF website and for National Forest lands at the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.