Douglas Forest Protective Association

10/01/2026

🔥 HOW LONG CAN FIRE SEASON LAST? 🌲

Curious about how long fire season can last in the Douglas District?

Thanks to our Industrial Forester’s fantastic spreadsheets and tracking system, we were able to dig all the way back to 1990 and look at the length of fire season over the years. Yes, that's right, the 1900s, before most of our firefighters were born. Basically, we had to consult the ancient archives. 😂🌲

But what actually determines when fire season starts and ends?

It’s not simply a date on the calendar. The length of fire season is influenced by the conditions on the lands we protect, including fuel moisture, temperatures, and the prevalence and severity of fire danger.

As fuels dry out and temperatures and other conditions contribute to increased fire danger, conditions can warrant the start or continuation of fire season. When conditions improve, fuels regain moisture and fire danger decreases, fire season can eventually come to an end.

So, we went back through the records to see just how much the length of fire season has varied.

Some years were shorter. Some were considerably longer. And then there’s 2026, currently sitting at 124 days and counting.

Take a look at the graphic and see how this year compares to the years in our ancient archives. 👀🔥🌲

And a special thanks to our Industrial Forester for keeping the spreadsheets alive and making this historical deep dive possible.

09/30/2026

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: FALL HUNTING SEASON IS HERE. KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE YOU GO.

As fall hunting season gets underway, many hunters are sighting in their ri**es and preparing for the season. With dry fuels still present across the Douglas District, hunters and other forest users are reminded that fire season is still in effect and campfires are prohibited except at designated sites.

Before you head into the woods, know the restrictions in place and remember, It Only Takes One Spark to start a wildfire.

Target Shooting and Fire Safety

A day of target practice can quickly result in a wildfire if proper precautions are not taken.

Tracer am******on and exploding targets are prohibited during fire season. Metal jacketed am******on, including am******on with metal cores or jackets, as well as incendiary am******on, can cause wildfires under the right conditions.

Regardless of the type of am******on being used:
• Use a backstop that is completely free of dry grass, brush and other flammable materials.
• Inspect the area surrounding your target and ensure that vegetation and other combustible materials are not exposed to sparks or hot fragments.

Hunters are encouraged to carefully consider their shooting location and current fire conditions before practicing with fi****ms.

Know the Current Fire Restrictions
Douglas Forest Protective Association's (DFPA) Public Use Restrictions are currently in effect on lands protected by DFPA and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

Under the current restrictions:

Campfires and open fires: Campfires, cooking fires and warming fires are prohibited except at designated sites.

Portable cooking appliances: Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted in clear areas free of flammable vegetation. Where these appliances are allowed, users must have one shovel and one gallon of water, or a 2.5-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Motor vehicles: Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are restricted to improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation, except when being used for the cultivation or harvest of agricultural crops. Passenger vehicles traveling on forestlands, except on state highways, county roads and driveways, must carry an axe, shovel and one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher. ATVs must have a 2.5-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in wildland areas except within vehicles or at designated locations.

Prohibited activities: Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer am******on and sky lanterns are prohibited.

Know Before You Go
DFPA's Public Use Restrictions may not be the only restrictions in effect where you plan to hunt. Private landowners and public land management agencies may have additional restrictions or closures.

Hunters should always check with the landowner or land management agency before entering the area they plan to visit.

For information about hunting and fire danger in Oregon, visit ODFW:
https://myodfw.com/articles/hunting-and-fire-danger-oregon

For information about private forestland closures, visit OFIC:
https://ofic.com/private-forestland-closures

For current Public Use Restrictions in the Douglas District, visit:
https://dfpa.net

Please hunt responsibly and recreate responsibly. Help us Keep Oregon Green this hunting season.

09/29/2026

UPDATED PRESCRIBED BURN SCHEDULE

Several prescribed burns are currently scheduled within the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) protection area. These burns are tentative and may be rescheduled or adjusted due to weather, smoke conditions, or other operational considerations.

Wednesday, September 30

1:00 PM

700 block of Buckhorn Road, Roseburg

Visible from: I-5, Highway 138/Diamond Boulevard, North Bank, Roseburg and Dixonville

1:00 PM

9000 block of Tiller Trail Highway, Canyonville

Visible from: Tiller, Days Creek, Milo, Canyonville, Myrtle Creek, Riddle and Tri City

2:30 PM

900 block of Coosbay Wagon Road, Lookingglass

Visible from: Highway 42, Lookingglass, Porter Creek, Melrose and Roseburg

Why Prescribed Burning?

Prescribed pasture burns are conducted by local landowners to:

• Improve grazing lands for livestock
• Enhance wildlife habitat
• Reduce wildfire hazards
• Control noxious weeds, brush, insects and plant diseases

Historically, approximately 10,000 acres of prescribed burning are conducted annually throughout Douglas County to improve pasturelands and maintain healthy landscapes.

Prescribed burning can also reduce the buildup of grasses, brush and other combustible vegetation, helping reduce available fuels when wildfires occur.

What Should the Public Expect?

Residents may see smoke in and around the listed areas during burning operations. These burns are carefully planned and conducted when weather and atmospheric conditions are favorable, with appropriate personnel and fire suppression equipment in place.

Burns are scheduled when conditions are expected to help minimize smoke impacts on nearby communities while maintaining public and firefighter safety.

A Note About Permitting

These are prescribed burns conducted by private landowners under permits issued by DFPA. DFPA is the permitting agency for prescribed burn permits on lands under DFPA's protection; DFPA is not conducting these burns ourselves.

Other fire agencies may issue prescribed burn permits within their respective jurisdictions. The information provided in this schedule is limited to prescribed burn permits issued by DFPA and does not represent all prescribed burning that may occur throughout Douglas County.

This schedule is tentative and may change based on weather, smoke conditions and other operational considerations. Additional locations may be added as permits are finalized.

Please continue to follow DFPA for updates to the prescribed burn schedule and other fire information.

09/28/2026

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Hogan Road Fire

Douglas District, Ore. — On Sunday, September 27, 2026, at approximately 1:19 p.m., firefighters with the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) responded to a smoke column detected by DFPA wildfire camera detection operators near the 1300 block of Hogan Road in Oakland.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a 3-acre grass fire moving uphill. DFPA utilized three engines to quickly stop the forward spread, resulting in a final fire size of 7 acres.

Mop-up operations have been completed and the fire is now in patrol status.
The cause of the fire was determined to be human-caused and remains under investigation.

No homes or structures were threatened by the fire.

Public Safety Message

The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) has responded to multiple Public Use Restriction violations throughout the weekend, including prohibited debris burning.

This is a reminder to the public that fire season remains in effect, and restrictions continue to be in place. Recent precipitation and cooler temperatures have allowed fire danger and Public Use Restrictions within the Douglas District to be reduced to LOW, with Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 (IFPL) restrictions currently in effect.

However, LOW does not mean NO fire danger.

Debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, open fires and campfires, except at designated locations, remains restricted.

Public Use Restriction violations can result in citations and fines. If an unauthorized fire escapes, causes damage, or requires firefighting resources, those responsible may also be held liable for property damage and firefighting suppression costs.

A VIOLATION CAN FOLLOW YOU FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.
Public Use Restriction violations are tracked statewide.

Before conducting any outdoor burning or other fire-related activity, know the current restrictions and make sure your activity is permitted.

Debris burning continues to be restricted and citations are being issued.

09/27/2026

Debris burning, open fires, and campfires (with the exception of campfires at designated locations) are strictly prohibited in LOW fire danger.

Lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) within the Douglas District remain at LOW fire danger, with all associated fire-season restrictions still in effect.

Citations are being issued for violations of these regulations. Please ensure you are aware of and comply with all applicable fire restrictions.

LOW does NOT mean NO fire danger.

Glendale Oregon Rural Fire District
Riddle Fire Protection District
Tiller Fire District
Tri City Rural Fire Protection District 4
Myrtle Creek Fire Department
Canyonville South Umpqua Fire Department
Kellogg Rural Fire District Elkton Rural Fire Protection District Fair Oaks Rural Fire District Lookingglass Rural Fire District North Douglas County Fire & EMS Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Sutherlin Fire Department Camas Valley Volunteer Fire District Oakland Rural Fire Protection District

Please share for awareness.

09/24/2026

RESTRICTIONS DECREASE FOR PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY

DFPA NEWS RELEASE: Due to decreased fire danger and expected precipitation across lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), Public Use Restriction Levels will decrease to LOW, effective Friday, September 25, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., for all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District.

The reduction in restriction levels reflects improved fuel moisture conditions; however, the public is reminded that fire season remains in effect, and caution should continue to be exercised when using equipment outdoors.

Debris Burning- including debris piles and burn barrels, remains PROHIBITED at all times.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will decrease to Level 1, effective 12:01 a.m., within the Douglas Forest Protection District, on all lands protected by DFPA, which includes all regulated use areas, and all forestlands within one-eighth mile of those areas, including lands managed by the Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

IFPL (Industrial Fire Precaution Level) levels within the Douglas Forest Protection District will change to IFPL LEVEL 1, in regulated use area (s) DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

What does this change mean to the public?

Non-industrial power saw usage, cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass, and power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property is allowed ALL DAY.

Off-Road Driving Allowed with Landowner Permission for Motor Vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for cultivating and harvesting agricultural crops. In addition, each passenger vehicle traveling on forestlands, except on state highways, county roads, and driveways, must have an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or a 2 ½ pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher. ATVs must have a 2½-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

What restrictions does IFPL1, Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1, place on industries?

Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1, the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any operation area is unlawful unless such use is in compliance with the following:
All applicable fire prevention requirements of ORS Chapter 477 and OAR Chapter 629 Divisions 41 to 43.

For more information, visit www.dfpa.net or call the office at (541) 672-6507.

09/24/2026

Upcoming Event information share for Alder Creek Community Forest

A Forest Celebration at Alder Creek Community Forest!

Join us on Saturday, October 24 from 10 AM to 2 PM for a day celebrating our forest, our community, and the people who help care for the lands we all enjoy.

A Forest Celebration is a free community event for all ages. Come explore Alder Creek, enjoy the fall season, meet local community partners, and learn more about the forest around us.

🌲 Guided interpretive walks through the forest
🍁 Learn about local plants, forest health, and the work happening at Alder Creek
🔥 Discover how healthy forests and fire resilience go hand in hand
🧒 Activities for kids and families
☕ Enjoy free coffee, hot cocoa, & apple c***r

Our workforce trainees will also be sharing some of what they learned this summer and helping lead visitors along the trails.

Not up for the full hike? That’s okay! There will be plenty to enjoy around the pavilion, and shorter walk options will be available.

📅 Saturday, October 24
⏰ 10 AM to 2 PM
📍 Alder Creek Community Forest

Come spend the day with your community, enjoy the fall forest, and celebrate this special place with us.

Free and open to everyone. Please share and help us spread the word!

09/24/2026

INFORMATION SHARE FOR ROSEBURG BLM DISTRICT / UNITED STATES WILDLAND FIRE SERVICE

**PRESCRIBED FIRE INFORMATION: NORTH BANK HABITAT MANAGEMENT AREA**

The United States Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District, plans to conduct a 180-acre prescribed burn within the North Bank Habitat Management Area, approximately six miles west of Glide, Oregon, off North Bank Road.

Ignitions may begin as early as September 29, if weather and fuel conditions are favorable.

During operations, the public may encounter increased fire personnel, vehicles and equipment in the area. Local roads and trails that may be impacted include:

• Blacktail Basin Road
• Comstock Day Use
• East Entrance Parking Lot
• East Boundary Road
• Thistle Ridge Trail
• West Barn Trail
• Powerline Road

Please use caution and be aware of fire personnel and equipment.

Why prescribed fire?

The burn is planned to:
• Reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities
• Create a more fire-resilient landscape
• Improve the quantity and quality of forage
• Reduce invasive species
• Restore and maintain oak woodlands

The North Bank Habitat Management Area is managed for Columbian white-tailed deer and played an important role in the successful delisting of the species from the Threatened and Endangered Species List.

What should the public expect?

Smoke may be visible from Glide and other nearby communities. Smoke can also settle in low-lying areas overnight.

Prescribed burning is highly dependent on weather, fuel moisture, personnel and equipment availability, and other operational conditions. Ignition will only occur when conditions are appropriate to safely meet the objectives of the burn.

Fire officials coordinate with the Oregon Department of Forestry's smoke management program to conduct burning under conditions designed to minimize smoke impacts to nearby communities. Burn areas will be monitored and patrolled during and following operations.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Close windows at night if smoke is present.
• Slow down and turn on headlights when driving through smoky areas.
• Create a cleaner-air space inside your home if smoke is affecting you.

Individuals with health concerns related to smoke should consult with their healthcare provider.

For information on creating a clean-air space:
[EPA Clean Room Guidance]https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire

The burn is being conducted in cooperation with the Douglas Forest Protective Association, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Umpqua National Forest, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and Oregon Conservation Corps of the Umpqua Valley.

For more information about the North Bank Habitat Management Area:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/prescribed-fire

For information specific to the BLM Roseburg District, call 541-440-4930.

09/22/2026

Permitted Prescribed Burn Schedule
(edited 09/23)

Additional prescribed burns have been added to this week’s permitted schedule. We’re sharing the information in advance so residents and travelers in the surrounding areas know what to expect.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

10:00 AM — 4700 block of Dole Road, Myrtle Creek
Smoke may be highly visible from I-5 and in Myrtle Creek, Weaver, Tri City, Winston, Dillard, Green and Round Prairie.

12:30 PM — 200 block of Clarks Branch, Myrtle Creek
Smoke may be highly visible from I-5 and in Myrtle Creek, Round Prairie, Dillard and Winston.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

12:30 PM — 1000 block of Kester Road, Roseburg
Smoke may be visible from Highway 138/Diamond Boulevard, North Bank Road, Roseburg, Dixonville and Wilbur.

1 PM- 100 block of Reston Road, Tenmile
Smoke may be visible from Highway 42, Tenmile, Porter Creek, Camas Valley, Olalla, Reston, Brockway

2 PM - 17000 block of North Bank Road
Smoke may be visible from Highway 138, North Bank Road, Glide, Idleyld Park, Wilbur, NonPareil, Fair Oaks, Sutherlin, Peel, Dixonville

What Should the Public Expect?

Residents may see smoke in and around the listed areas during burning operations. These burns are carefully planned and conducted when weather and atmospheric conditions are favorable, with appropriate personnel and fire suppression equipment in place.

Burns are scheduled when conditions are expected to help minimize smoke impacts on nearby communities while maintaining public and firefighter safety.

A Note About Permitting

These are prescribed burns conducted by private landowners under permits issued by DFPA. DFPA is the permitting agency for prescribed burn permits on lands under DFPA’s protection; DFPA is not conducting these burns ourselves.

Other fire agencies may issue prescribed burn permits within their respective jurisdictions. The information provided in this schedule is limited to prescribed burn permits issued by DFPA and does not represent all prescribed burning that may occur throughout Douglas County.

This schedule is tentative and may change based on weather, smoke conditions and other operational considerations. Additional locations may be added as permits are finalized.