Ashland Fire & Rescue

09/02/2026

What a blessing the rain is! Though a few small lightning fires have been put out by our partners at ODF Southwest Oregon District and the U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest the moisture is having a positive impact on fire season.

Given the change in weather, ODF has decreased the fire danger level to HIGH, down from EXTREME. This change allows the use of power machinery, including electric and battery powered tools, between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. in areas of dry vegetation. Tools like mowers and saws can be used in green, irrigated landscapes at any time of the day.

Good work on the rain dances! Let's hope it keeps up, but stay aware that it only takes a few days of hot, dry weather to escalate fire danger....and then add a windy day and things can get serious quickly. Remember, the 2009 Siskiyou Fire that burned nearly 200 acres just east of Tolman Creek Road happened on September 21st!

City of Ashland Oregon

The fire danger level in the City of Ashland decreases to “HIGH” (yellow) on September 2nd, 2026 effective immediately and restrictions ease on the use of gas-powered machinery in areas of

09/01/2026

We're hiring firefighters!

EMT - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ashlandor/jobs/5462103/firefighter-emt?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Paramedic - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ashlandor/jobs/5462032/firefighter-paramedic?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

08/27/2026

Yesterday afternoon we held a badge pinning ceremony for a distinguished group of firefighters, one paramedic, and a new Deputy Chief. It's rare that so many members of our department come in at the same time and honoring their commitment, administering their oaths, and pinning their badges is a time-honored right of passage in the Fire Service that we are proud to uphold.

Fire Chief Marshall Rasor administered oaths to firefighters Jonathan Fabich, Daniel McLean, Toby Medina, Ryan Creason, Tony Zamudio, Ethan Ooms, and Sam Thompson. Chief Rasor additionally inducted paramedic Kenzie Hawkins and finally, our new Deputy Chief of Operations, Amy Hanifan.

Congratulations to the newest members of our team and we look forward to all the excellent years of service and sacrifice you are committing to the Ashland community...the Rogue Valley, and the State of Oregon! Thank you to all families, friends, colleagues, and staff who attended.

City of Ashland OregonAshland Firefighters Local 1269Oregon State Fire MarshalOregon Fire Chiefs AssociationJackson County Fire District No. 5

08/24/2026

Please pay attention, Ashland! Our landscape is very dry this late in the summer and these are the kinds of days when evacuations can be immediately needed should a fire start near or in town. We are at the ready to respond, are you ready to evacuate if notified?

Red Flag Warning issued August 23 at 11:59AM PDT until August 24 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR for gusty winds, low humidity and extreme heat. Get prepared now: pack go-bags, fuel vehicles, check in with neighbors and family, and sign up for alerts. More on getting ready at ashlandoregon.gov/BetterPrepared.

08/11/2026

Sara Jones of Ashland Fire & Rescue gave a great class on staying healthy during periods of wildfire smoke. Certainly a pertinent topic these days and one that we hope everyone is taking to heart (and lungs!) and staying healthy when smoke is in the air. Good work, Sara, and thanks to Ashland.news for the story. Anyone can make their own lost-cost air filter: https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/diy-air-cleaners

Ashland.news story: https://ashland.news/ashlanders-hear-how-to-build-their-own-fan-filters/

Smokewise Ashland resources: www.smokewiseashland.org

08/05/2026

UPDATE: The fire is nearly out and there is no impact to traffic or business other than slowing along southbound I-5.

PREVIOUS: We are on scene and extinguishing a 1/4 acre grass fire at exit 14 near the Albertsons shopping center with ODF Southwest Oregon District and Jackson County Fire District No. 5 Ashland Oregon Police Department Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police The fire progress has been stopped, no evacuations were needed. Great teamwork!

08/04/2026

Here's what kept us busy in July.

08/02/2026

[8/1/26 6:30 PM] Increased smoke can be expected in Ashland tonight due to developing fire incidents in the valley.

Firefighters are currently working a commercial fire at Schnitzer Steel in White City and a wildland fire in Grants Pass.

For more information about how to keep yourself safe during smoke events, visit ashlandoregon.gov/smokewise

07/23/2026

Ashland firefighters responded to a structure fire call at 3:04 pm today near the corner of Walker Ave and Ashland St. The first engine was at the fire in just over 3.5 minutes. There was heavy fire coming from one home, ultimately also impacting another home next to it. All occupants of both structures were safe, including one dog. With help from our partners at Jackson County Fire District No. 5 and Ashland Oregon Police Department the fire was extinguished safely. Sadly, two homes are now unlivable. The American Red Cross was responding to aid those displaced by the fire.

07/21/2026

The US National Weather Service Medford Oregon has issued a Red Flag Warning for tomorrow (Wednesday) for lightning in our area and surrounding weather zones. Are you signed up for emergency alerts? Would you be ready to evacuate with short notice? Find our more about getting ready

NWS Red Flag Warning: https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=131474393

What is a Red Flag Warning? https://ashlandoregon.gov/fireweather

Be Prepared!
https://ashlandoregon.gov/180/Emergency-Preparedness

City of Ashland Oregon

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