July Is Peak Month For The Emergence Of Emerald Ash Borer Pest (Photo) -07/09/25

SALEM, Ore. – Adult emerald ash borers (EAB) start emerging in Oregon in early June. However, the majority emerge this month (July). The size of a penny, adults are hard to spot and usually are only found in traps. If you think you’ve seen one, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Department of Agriculture ask that you first make sure it’s not a common lookalike bug.

“You can find a good description and photos comparing EAB to other common insects in Oregon that are also green in color at OregonEAB.com,” said ODF EAB Specialist Kat Bethea. “If you can capture the insect in a jar or other container that’s ideal, but at least try and take a clear, close-up photo. This helps us identify the insect in question much more easily.”

Bethea said people suspecting they’ve found EAB should report it over the phone to 1-866-INVADER or online at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Attaching a clear photo is important. Bethea said people who know they have an ash tree and notice a decline should report it the same way.

“Any ash tree can be infested, including native Oregon ash as well as non-native street, park and yard trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and basal shoots,” said Bethea.

About EAB

A small, metallic-green beetle native to eastern Asia, EAB was first found in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002. It has since killed tens of millions of ash trees across the eastern United States, with death rates of 99 percent or higher.

ODF EAB Specialist Matt Mills said EAB’s larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing canopy dieback and, ultimately, tree death.

“The half-inch beetle is often challenging to detect, especially in newly infested trees. That’s why ODF, in collaboration with the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, made sticky purple traps available to select landowners, primarily in the Willamette Valley. Those traps contain a lure and are checked every couple of weeks during the summer when adult EAB are flying.”

Mills said EAB is currently known to be in Washington County in the Forest Grove and Cornelius areas and a short distance into northern Yamhill County. It has also been found along Butte Creek between Marion and Clackamas counties, as well as in Woodburn, Mt. Angel and the Yoder area.

“You can find whether you’re in an EAB-infested area or close to one by checking an online map we’ve created. It shows the four counties where firewood from hardwood trees cannot be removed. That quarantine also covers any part of ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus),” said Mills.

For people who want to protect their ash trees before they become infested, there is an effective insecticide that can be injected at the base of the tree’s trunk, said Mills.

“It gets taken up into the tree canopy and is quite effective at protecting the tree from both adults and larvae.”

Mills said treatments must be done every two or three years by a licensed pesticide applicator.

“That’s why we recommend only treating high-value trees in good condition,” he said.” Ash trees planted in the wrong place to reach their mature size, such as under powerlines, should be removed as time and funds permit and replaced with species that aren’t susceptible to EAB.” 

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Oregon Department Of Forestry Deploys Incident Management Team To Elk Fire -07/09/25

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Incident Management Team 1 (IMT 1) to the Klamath-Lake District to manage the Elk Fire in the Bly Mountain area. This is the second ODF IMT deployment in the last 24 hours.

After multiple days of lightning strikes in the area, the firefighters in the Klamath-Lake District have been working nonstop. In support of the district, ODF IMT 1 will take over the Elk Fire so that local resources may focus on extinguishing new ignitions and smaller fires in the district.

“Our firefighters have been all hands on deck after 10 straight days of lightning, which has stretched our local resources thin,” ODF Klamath-Lake District Forester Teresa Williams said. “With the help of ODF IMT 1, we’ll be able to regroup, reassign resources and continue protecting our communities from wildfire.”

The fire is currently estimated to be over 1,000 acres. ODF IMT 1 will in brief at 5 p.m. tonight and take command of the fire at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized a local task force yesterday to protect nearby structures and those resources demobilized that evening. For up to date evacuation information, follow the Klamath County Sheriff's Office or visit the following official site: https://protect.genasys.com/search.

“The professionalism, expertise and adaptability of our IMTs mean that we can answer the call within 24 hours to help our fellow Oregonians and their communities through any emergency,” said ODF’s Protection Division Chief Michael Curran.

As firefighters continue to work to suppress natural-caused fires, reduce the strain on firefighters by preventing new human-caused fires. Follow local regulations currently in place: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

Oregon Department Of Forestry Deploys Incident Management Team To Southwest Oregon -07/08/25

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Incident Management Team 3 (IMT 3) to the ODF Southwest Oregon District to assist district personnel following last night’s lightning.

Over the last 24 hours the ODF Southwest Oregon District has confirmed over 72 known fires across Jackson and Josephine counties and been actively engaged across the board, straining all resources in the district.  ODF IMT 3 will support the district by relieving the local resources and allowing them to focus on suppressing smaller fires and initial attack on new fires.

“Our firefighters have been working around the clock to keep these fires as small as we can, but resources are becoming limited, especially with other incidents across Oregon and the country competing for the same emergency response professionals,” ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester Dan Quinones said. “Bringing in ODF IMT 3 will allow us to regain our strength locally, handing some of these fires off to firefighters who hold the same drive to take them off the map as quickly as possible. Protecting our communities and putting out fires remain our top priorities.”

ODF resources continue to work with federal partners at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as local and county structural fire departments. This teamwork is a direct reflection of the complete and coordinated fire response system in southern Oregon.

The team will in brief at 12 p.m., July 9, and take command of the complex at 6 p.m.

High fire danger is currently in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties. As firefighters work to extinguish these natural fire starts, help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

For current fire information, please follow ODF Southwest Oregon’s Facebook page.

ODF’s Aggressive Initial Attack Keeps Multiple Fires Small -07/03/25

Salem, Ore. – Since Monday, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southern and Eastern Oregon Area firefighters have responded to over 100 new fire starts, both lightning and human-caused, and anticipate more to come during the holiday weekend. Through the agency’s aggressive initial attack tactics, most of the fires have been contained to an average of about half an acre.

In the Southern Oregon Area (all ODF-protected land from around Eugene down to the California border west of the Cascades), ODF firefighters and resources have responded to 10 lightning-caused fires and 43 human-caused fires since Monday. 

In the Eastern Oregon Area (all ODF-protected land east of the Cascades), ODF firefighters and resources from the Klamath-Lake, Central Oregon, and Northeast Oregon Districts have responded to over 65 new fire starts, most of which were caused by lightning. Alongside the lightning, firefighters in this area have faced the added difficulty of dry and windy conditions, making the fires more difficult to catch and suppress.

On top of their initial attack efforts, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District responded to and supported the extended attack operations for the Grizzly Flat fire (624 acres) and the Larch Creek Fire (92 acres). Both fire’s forward progression has been stopped. In addition, the Klamath-Lake District went into extended attack and suppressed the Bowers Bridge Fire (40 acres).

Fire managers anticipate these numbers will double over the weekend due to human activities like fireworks, which are prohibited in state forests and on ODF-protected land.

With the recent lightning in both areas, it’s important for Oregonians to help prevent wildfire by checking local restrictions before bringing fire hazards onto the landscape and actively practicing wildfire prevention while they recreate.

We can’t prevent lightning-caused fires, but by preventing human-caused fires we can help reduce the strain on Oregon’s firefighters and other resources. 

Oregon Recognizes National Wildland Firefighter Day (Photo) -07/02/25

Salem, Ore. – In support of Oregon’s wildland firefighters on National Wildland Firefighter Day, Governor Tina Kotek has issued a proclamation declaring July 2, 2025, Wildland Firefighter Day in the state of Oregon.

“In a state with such prevalent wildfire, we are so thankful to the firefighters, dispatchers and support personnel who work long hours, day after day, protecting our communities and natural resources. And we remember those that have fallen in the line of service,” Michael Curran, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief, said.  

The Oregon Department of Forestry would like to thank the thousands of local, state, tribal, federal, and contract firefighters, along with all the dispatchers, map creators, IT specialists, equipment operators, radio technicians, prevention specialists, and everyone else who has a role in Oregon’s wildfire response.

Wildland Firefighter Day occurs every year during the Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance (June 30-July 6). The Week of Remembrance was established in 2014 and is bookended by the dates of two significant tragedies in the wildland firefighter community: Yarnell Hill fire in Arizona on June 30, 2013, and the South Canyon fire in Colorado on July 6, 1994. On the Yarnell Hill fire, 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed when a weather shift intensified the fire and cut off the firefighters’ escape route. On the South Canyon fire, 14 wildland firefighters were killed on Storm King Mountain when they were entrapped by spot fires. This week honors those lost in the line of duty while also focusing on improving wildland firefighter safety to mitigate risk as best we can in an inherently dangerous career field. 

Public Comment Period On Proposed Rules For Post-disturbance Harvest Rulemaking Reopened From July 1 To July 31 -07/01/25

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry is reopening the public comment period for proposed rule changes related to post-disturbance timber harvest. Post-disturbance harvest refers to the removal of forest products after catastrophic events such as wildfire, wind, ice, insect or disease damage and is commonly referred to as salvage logging.

This rulemaking is required by Senate Bill 1501 (2022) that was part of the legislation that enacted the Private Forest Accord. The original Notice of Proposed Rulemaking appeared in the April 2024 Oregon Bulletin with a public comment deadline of May 1, 2024. Public comments previously submitted in response to the notice, between April 1 and May 1, 2024, will remain in the rule record for consideration and do not need to be resubmitted.

The additional public comment period will be open from July 1 to July 31 at 5 p.m. For public comment submission instructions view the public notice and for more information on the rulemaking,  view the rulemaking webpage.

All ODF Districts Are Now In Fire Season -07/01/25

SALEM, Ore.—As of July 1, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate. 

“We have already experienced several large fires in the state this year and anticipate fire behavior to be progressively more volatile. RIGHT NOW is the time to practice fire prevention and preparedness,” said Michael Curran, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief. 

As we move into the Fourth of July and the holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that forests and fireworks DO NOT MIX. Private use of fireworks is not allowed on forest land, which includes all private lands protected by ODF and all other state and federal forest lands in Oregon. Remember to check any additional city and county firework restrictions as well.  

Curran said, “Prevention is our number one tool to reduce property loss, firefighting costs, and risk to the lives of our firefighters. We can’t prevent lightning fires, but we can prevent human-caused fires.”

Now is the time to brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge. Tips include:

• Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.
• Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat. 
• Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.
• Don’t park or idle over dried grass.
• Don’t drag tow chains.
• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land in Oregon from wildfire. Fire season is declared at the local level when conditions reach a point where the risk of a fire starting and spreading becomes clear. This year, the Southwest Oregon district was the first to declare on June 1, and the North Cascade District was the last to declare on July 1. 

For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org. 

Adaptive Management Program Committee Meets July 7 -06/30/25

ODF North Cascade District Fire Season Begins July 1 (Photo) -06/27/25

Stayton, Ore. – Fire season on all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) North Cascade District will begin July 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., and the district’s fire danger level will be “moderate”. The North Cascade District protects state and private lands in Multnomah, Clackamas, Linn and Marion counties.

The launch of fire season sets into motion several fire prevention measures for the general public and forest operations. First and foremost, debris burning will no longer be permitted. If you were unable to burn your yard debris this spring, cover burn piles and wait until late fall or winter when burning is allowed and conditions are more suitable.

Under moderate fire danger and regulated closure, the following public activities are prohibited on forestlands:

• The use of fireworks, tracer ammunition, exploding targets and sky lanterns.
• Discharging an exploding target inside the district and within one-eight mile of the district’s boundaries is also prohibited.
• The use of fuse and caps for blasting, unless approval is granted by the forester.

Additionally, the following activities are restricted on forestlands under moderate fire danger:

• Recreational fires; including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires; are only allowed in designated locations.

• Smoking is only allowed in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated locations.

Public use restrictions will change as fire danger goes up or down. Stay current on fire danger and restrictions wherever you are this summer by visiting https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

In addition to these public use restrictions, fire season requirements for forest operations also go into effect. Fire season starts with Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1. Operators are required to have fire tools, water supply, spark arresters and a fire watch on site. Smoking and the use of fuse and caps for blasting are prohibited.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents to not become complacent in wildfire prevention this fire season. The fewer human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org

Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

Two New Staff Hired In Urban Forestry Section Of Oregon Department Of Forestry (Photo) -06/25/25

SALEM, Ore. – There are two new faces at ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Program – Allison O’Sullivan and Miriam ‘Mirms’ Miller.

Allison O’Sullivan is the agency’s newest Community Assistance Forester. O’Sullivan has a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in Anthropological Sciences and an associate’s degree equivalency from Clackamas Community College in Arboriculture and Horticulture. She is an ISA-Certified Arborist, a Qualified Tree-Risk Assessor, and a Certified Permaculture Designer.

For the past 20 years O’Sullivan  has worked across the environmental sector with community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and government to connect people with land in a mutually beneficial and ecologically healthy way. She spent the last seven  years working with Portland Parks and Recreation (PP and R) in both the Urban Forestry and Land Stewardship divisions. During this time, she:

• managed tree planting and establishment programs
• implemented sustainable stewardship of hundreds of acres of Portland Parks, including the 200-acre Hoyt Arboretum
• served on the PP and R Diversity and Equity Committee, working to provide equitable and accessible services.

In her free time, O’Sullivan stewards an orchard at her farm in Damascus and loves exploring the outdoors.

Born and raised in the Willamette Valley, Miriam ‘Mirms’ Miller since 2022 has supported Forest Resources events across the state.  In her new position as an Administrative Specialist 2, Mirms will continue to provide customer service and administrative support to the Forest Resources Division but will now also assist ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry team administer its two new Subaward Grant Programs: The Tribal Governments Subaward Program and the All Entities Subaward Program. Miller’s first day in the new position was March 1.

“We are thrilled to have Allison and Mirms on the team and look forward to tapping into their knowledge and experience,” said Scott Altenhoff, Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager.

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Firefighters From Multiple Agencies Are Working To Stop A Fire At Junction Of Highway 126 And Highway 36 At Mapleton In Lane County -06/19/25

VENETA, Ore. – Firefighters are actively engaged on a fire burning at the junction of Highway 126 and Highway 36 at Mapleton. The Rice Road Fire has caused the Oregon Dept. of Transportation to close both highways at the junction in both directions. Motorists are asked to avoid the area for their safety and that of firefighters working to put out the fire.

The fire was reported at 1:42 p.m. Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Western Lane District responded as well as firefighting units from the Coos Forest Protective Association, the USDA Forest Service and several rural fire districts. The fire is estimated at five to six acres in size. The cause is under investigation.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 Go Now evacuation order at 2:10 p.m. for residents on Rice Road, Hillcrest Road and First Avenue in Mapleton. Questions about evacuations should be directed to the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 541-520-2646, option 1.

ODF has six fire engines, a hand crew of 20, two fallers, a dozer and a Type 2 (midsize) helicopter working on the fire today.

Although temperatures in the area were in the 60s today, dry conditions across much of western Oregon highlight the increasing risk of fires starting from almost any source.  That’s one reason almost all of ODF’s districts are already in declared fire seasons, with various restrictions in place to reduce possible fire starts. To find restrictions in your area, go to https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/pfr.html

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Smoke Management Advisory Committee Meets On June 26 -06/18/25

Committee For Family Forestlands Meets On June 25 -06/18/25

Oregon Department Of Forestry Staff Again Take To Skies To Survey Forest Health (Photo) -06/18/25

SALEM, Ore. – If you look up this month and see a slow-flying plane crisscrossing the skies over Oregon it’s likely just researchers looking for signs of damage in Oregon forests from insect pests and other threats. The Pacific Northwest Aerial Detection Survey of Oregon’s forests has been conducted by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service since the 1940s, except during the 2020 pandemic. It is the longest continuous annual survey of its kind in the United States.

To complete the survey, airborne researchers take off in fixed-wing aircraft with one on each side of the plane. They use laptops to record where trees appear to be in trouble. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.

“Oregon has about 30 million acres of forest so flying in a grid pattern over it allows us to find problems even in remote areas hard to reach by vehicle or on foot,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl.

“For several years this survey has identified a trend in increasing tree deaths as a result of drought stress and subsequent opportunistic beetle attack, which finishes off these stressed trees,” said Buhl. “Trees that are most stressed are those that are less drought-tolerant or have spread into fringe habitat and don’t have time to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions. Beetles might be the immediate cause of a tree’s death but the underlying cause is often drought.”

Other causes of trees being injured or killed can also be viewed from the air, such as damage from storms and wildfires.

Last year’s report showed drought, insect pests, and tree diseases continue to be the biggest threats to the state’s trees. That report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/documents/forest-health-highlights.pdf.

“Best management practices are to plant the right tree species and seed zone in the right place for projected climate and keep stocking density to a level that can be supported during drought,” said Buhl.

Due to persistent dry conditions, she said she expects the 2025 survey to see more of the same trends in higher tree deaths in Oregon’s driest areas, such as in southwest Oregon and east of the Cascades.

Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to information ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information on the ground,” she said.

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Oregon Department Of Forestry Will Check Coastal Forests For Signs Of Spruce Aphid Damage After Outbreak Found Near Yachats (Photo) -06/17/25

SALEM, Ore. – Earlier this year a spruce aphid outbreak was detected around Yachats on the central Oregon coast. ODF will be assessing the spread of this damage to determine where else it might be occurring along the coast.

Spruce aphid is a long-established exotic and invasive insect that experiences periodic outbreaks that injure Sitka spruce along the West Coast, including Oregon. Spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum) sucks moisture and nutrients from older needles on Sitka spruce trees, causing them to turn yellow, red, and then drop. The aphids don’t feed on new needles. This insect actively feeds in February and March. By early summer when   needle drop begins to be seen it is too late to do anything about outbreaks, as populations of this insect have already declined. 

Although trees are injured, they don’t often die from this damage because this insect is only periodic, does not feed on current year needles, and does not kill buds. However, trees that have other underlying stress issues will be more heavily impacted. Sitka spruce is often stressed by flooding and brackish water if growing too close to the coastline, therefore those trees might be more at risk from the additional impact of spruce aphid.

“We don’t typically see back-to-back outbreaks in the same areas, but because outbreaks often occur after a particularly warmer than usual winter or when we don’t get a late cold snap - and these are becoming more common with climate change - it is possible that we will eventually see more outbreaks one after the other,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl.

Able to tolerate salt spray, Sitka spruce grows in moist coastal forests seldom more than a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Typically growing between 125 and 180 feet tall, they are long-lived trees capable of living several centuries. Many of the largest old-growth Sitka spruce were cut down to build airplanes in the early 20^th Century or to make violins, guitars, and pianos.

More info: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/documents/forestbenefits/Spruce_aphid_2017.pdf

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2025 Mid-Willamette Valley Interagency Wildland Fire School Begins June 23 In Sweet Home, Oregon (Photo) -06/17/25

Rowena Fire Resources Push Forward On Progress Overnight, Community Meeting Tonight (Photo) -06/13/25

ROWENA, Ore. – Firefighters working on the Rowena Fire overnight, although continuing to be challenged by the wind, were able to push forward on progress around the town of Rowena and along Highway 30. Sustained winds of 20-30 miles per hour were observed across the fire, however little fire growth was seen. An Infrared (IR) flight was ordered and placed the fire around 3,831 acres. More accurate mapping will be available as firefighters continue to work along the fire line and gather data.

Goals for today are centered around holding the fire in its current footprint, limiting growth and protecting homes and natural resources. Aircraft will continue to remain a critical asset on the fire, and more have been ordered. With more resources arriving to the incident, firefighters will be able to deploy more direct tactics, working at the fire’s edge to create a control line and hold the fire. As this work progresses, containment will increase.

Structural resources will continue to work around homes near the fire’s perimeter, mopping up areas that have seen fire. Firefighters will also be removing hazardous trees to increase safety in the area while work is ongoing and ahead of any residents returning. Firefighters are working as quickly and safely as possible with current evacuations in mind, as well as future fire potential across the state.

“It’s very early in fire season for us to be dealing with a large, fast-moving fire like the Rowena Fire, and deploying one of our incident management teams,” Craig Pettinger, ODF Team 2 Deputy IC said. “It doesn’t bode well for what’s ahead of us knowing we already expect an active fire season. We have a lot of fire season ahead of us, and long seasons take a toll on our firefighters and communities across the state.”

Temperatures will be slightly cooler today in the 70s, and relative humidity will be higher, predicted to reach the mid-30s, meaning more moisture will be in the air. These conditions may help to naturally lower the intensity of the fire behavior, however winds will remain steady and create smoky conditions.

A community meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at The Dalles High School auditorium, 220 E 10th St The Dalles, Oregon 97058, to provide a current fire update to the public. A recording of the meeting will be later posted on YouTube and Facebook for those who can’t attend in person.

Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office’s direction. You can search for specific addresses here: https://perimetermap.com/wascocounty-or

The Red Cross has opened a shelter at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th Street. Livestock and horses can be taken to the Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Road.

I-84 remains open, however firefighters are continuing to work near the roadway; be aware of crews when driving through the area.

Closures: Due to the fires, Mayer State Park is closed to the public. More information is available here: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=117

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 6500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_2600. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

A daily media availability will occur at Mayer State Park East at 1p.m. until further notice. Please RSVP to imt2.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov or call Natalie Weber at 541-621-4005 .

UPDATE: Additional Fire Precautions In Place For Central Oregon District -06/10/25

UPDATE: As of June 10, 2025 the Central Oregon District will be in HIGH fire danger, except for the John Day/ Monument Unit who will remain in MODERATE. This sudden increase is due to fast changing conditions in the district. 

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Prineville, Ore. – Starting this Monday, June 16, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., additional fire precaution orders will be applied to all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District. This regulated-use closure is intended to help reduce the number of human-caused fires in the district.

“With high temperatures forecasted, the district is issuing extra fire prevention restrictions to address the current conditions,” said Rob Pentzer, Central Oregon District Forester.

With that in mind, the ODF Central Oregon District restricts the following activities:

• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.

• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas. The use of portable appliances such as camp stoves and fire pits using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation. The following is required where open fires and appliances are allowed; one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher.

• Chainsaw use is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour following the use of each saw.

• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At all other times the area is to be cleared of flammable vegetation and the following fire equipment is required: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher in good working order.

• Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner upon their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood.

• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.

• Mowing of dried grass with power driven equipment is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. The use of battery or electric powered string trimmers is exempt from this requirement.
• Use of fireworks is prohibited.
• Blasting is prohibited.

• Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Aside from these restrictions, also prohibited throughout fire season is backyard debris burning, the use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition.

Currently, the fire danger level for the ODF Central Oregon District remains at MODERATE. Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks. Check the full list of restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

ODF’s Central Oregon District protects state and private lands in Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook Morrow, Grant, Wheeler, Umatilla, Gillam, Klamath and Harney County.

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org