Tiller Fire District

09/14/2026

Tiller Fire District Annual Open House
Mark Your Calendars
The Tiller Rural Fire Protection District is hosting our annual open house at the Tiller Fire Station on Sunday September 20, from 1:00-3:00pm.

Come and meet our volunteers and board members. This will also be an Annual Firewise Community Event. Firewise information will be provided by Douglas Forest Protective Association.
Everyone is welcome! Refreshments provided.

Tiller Rural Fire Protection District serves the communities of Tiller and Drew, Oregon. Our response area is approximately 452 sq. miles.
Tiller Fire District is an all-hazards fire district. We respond to all Fire, Medical, Rescues and other emergencies within our service area.
Tiller Fire has a mutual aid agreement with all Fire agencies in Douglas County, including the Douglas Forest Protective Association and the U.S. Forest Service. We also have mutual aid with Milo Fire District and respond to all emergencies together.
We have 15 volunteers. Our volunteers are trained Emergency Medical Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, as well as Firefighters. Tiller Fire has a Cadet Program for youth ages 16-18.
A 5-person elected Board of Directors oversee the district operations.
Our fleet consists of 2- Structure Fire Engines, 1- 2007 Water Tender, 1- 2005 Brush Rig, 1-1967 Water Tender and 1- medical response vehicle.
Check out our electronic reader board for community updates and fire restrictions.
An emergency phone is available at the Fire Station next to the front door for emergency 911 calls.
Tiller Fire District is always looking for volunteers. We have multiple opportunities such as Emergency Medical Responders, Firefighters, Cadets, and Support Personnel. If you are interested, please contact us at: [email protected] or call Fire Chief Kevin Kehoe at: 541-825-3837.

Thank you for your support, Tiller Fire District

Fire Prevention Tips:
Clean your chimney. Tiller Fire has chimney brushes available for loan. Call or email us if interested. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace the batteries as needed. Keep your roof and gutters clear of flammable materials, and stack firewood away from your house. Create defensible space around your home. As the weather gets warmer pay attention to fire danger levels and fire restrictions on our reader board.

09/12/2026

Yesterday was a day to remember those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001. 25 years ago 441 first responders died in the attacks, including 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and 8 paramedics. An additional 2,536 civilians lost their lives that day.

Yesterday one of your Tiller Fire District volunteers traveled to Eugene, OR to take part in the 4th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Autzen Stadium. This was Captain Andersons' 4th time participating in the event. Every year he and so many other first responders from around the world climb the 2,200 steps, 110 floors in honor of the 343 firefighters, the law enforcement officers, Emts/Paramedics and military personnel as well as the civilians that never made it home to their families. We do this to keep the promise to Never Forget.

Each year firefighters climb with a badge of a fallen firefighter, carrying their memory with every step. Some firefighters keep theirs badge and save it for the next year and climb in the memory of more than one person. At the 78th floor, a bell was rung to mark the highest point reached before the towers fell, a solemn reminder of their courage and sacrifice.

We climb SO they are never forgotten.

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Autzen

09/04/2026

Incident Information – Wildland & Lightning Responses
​Over the past week, Tiller Fire District, along with Mutual Aid Partners, responded to multiple wildland and lightning-caused incidents across our fire district:

​Ash Valley Vehicle/Wildland Fire: Last Saturday, Tiller Fire District responded to a vehicle fire that spread into the wildland in Ash Valley, burning approximately 1.5 acres. Fire crews were able to quickly get a hoselay around the fire and a quick knock down with the help of air resources and ground units. Tiller Fire District made a rapid initial response thanks to support from the Oregon State Fire Marshal Wildfire Season Staffing Grant, working alongside Milo Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Canyonville-South Umpqua Fire District, Riddle Fire Protection District, Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), Cow Creek Tribe Fire Crews and Umpqua National Forest- South Zone Fire Crews. Tiller Fire was able to respond with a brush rig and water tender immediately after being dispatched to the incident with 3 personnel.

​Joe Hall Road Fire: On Tuesday night, Tiller Fire District responded with 3 firefighters on water tender 4861 and brush rig 4880, to a 1/1000-acre incident featuring two burning snags caused by a lightning strike on Joe Hall Road. Partner agencies Milo Rural Volunteer Fire Department and Days Creek Volunteer Fire Department assisted on scene. Fire Crews were able to get a hose lay to the fire and majority of the fire knocked down with handline around 50% of the fire. DFPA arrived on scene and the incident was transferred to them.

​1610 Fire: Also on Tuesday night, with Tiller crews committed to the Joe Hall incident, Riddle Fire Protection District and Canyonville-South Umpqua Fire District responded and assisted to contain a separate lightning-struck single pine tree (1/1000 acre). Crews were able to stop forward spread of the fire and the incident was also turned over to DFPA.

​Elk Creek Fire: On Wednesday morning, Tiller Fire District responded with 2 firefighters on Brush rig 4880 to a 1/1000 acre Fire also appeared to be caused by lightning. The forward spread of the fire was quickly extinguished and handline was dug around 70% of the fire. DFPA arrived and the incident was turned over to them.

Tiller Fire District would like to thank our Mutual Aid Partners for the continued support and help over the last week. With the Summer Staffing Grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal office, Tiller Fire District has been able to have quicker response times and has helped catch these fires while they were small.

08/04/2026

Incident Information- Natural Cover Fire- 34000blk Tiller Trail Hwy.

At approximately 1330 hours on August 3rd, Tiller Fire District, alongside partners from Douglas Forest Protective Association , Milo and Days Creek Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a natural cover fire in the 34000 block of Tiller Trail Highway.
​Tiller Fire District responded with an engine and a tender with a total of 4 personnel. Upon arrival, Tiller Fire District crews located a fire estimated at one-tenth of an acre. Crews quickly knocked down the forward spread of the fire and began mop up. At that time they were able to cancel additional responding departments. No structures were immediately threatened. The fire was fully extinguished and the scene was turned over to DFPA.

​We would extend our appreciation to our responders and agency partners for their rapid response and teamwork to help keep our community safe.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Wildfire Season Staffing Grant

07/16/2026

𝙍𝙊𝘼𝘿 𝘾𝙇𝙊𝙎𝙐𝙍𝙀: The Tiller-Trail Highway is closed at the county border in Jackson County to Highway 62 due to the East Evans Creek Fire.

For traffic and road closure updates anytime, check https://tripcheck.com/

07/16/2026

Important Information.

*** UPDATE - TUESDAY JULY 21, 2026 ***

TILLER, Ore. - Effective at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the previously issued Level 1 - "BE READY" evacuation notices for residents in Douglas County due to the East Evans Creek Fire have been canceled.

The affected areas include Tiller Trail Highway from mileposts 38-41 to the Douglas/Jackson County line, and the area west from Wildcat Ridge to the County line on the east (Zones DOU-1012 and DOU-1015) .

There are currently no evacuation notices in effect for Douglas County residents impacted by the East Evans Creek fire or any other incident in Douglas County.

This is the final update from the Douglas Sheriff's Office regarding this incident.

Evacuation notices remain in effect in JACKSON COUNTY and residents in that area should remain alert and continue to follow directions from Jackson County officials.

# # #

****ARCHIVED INFORMATION*****

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INSTITUTES LEVEL 1 EVACUATION NOTICE DUE TO EAST EVANS CREEK FIRE BURNING NEAR DOUGLAS COUNTY BORDER.

A Level 1 - "BE READY" evacuation notice has been issued for the East Evans Creek Fire, burning near the Douglas County Border. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has issued the Level 1 “BE READY” evacuation notice for Tiller Trail Highway
Milepost 38-41 to the Douglas/Jackson County border and west from Wildcat ridge to the County border on the east (Zones DOU-1012 and DOU-1015). This is inclusive of all addresses between these two points.

A Level 1 - "Be Ready" Evacuation notice means residents should be aware of the danger that exists in the area, monitor emergency services websites and local media for information, and begin preparation. This may be the time for precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and, under certain circumstances, pets and livestock.

Not sure if you are in the evacuation zone? An interactive map can be found on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office website at www.dcso.com/evacuations.

All Douglas County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas Alerts at www.dcso.com/alerts. This system is used to notify residents in an emergency, including wildfire evacuations. If you already have an account, please ensure your information is current by conducting a wellness check on your profile. For questions or assistance related to Douglas Alerts, call 541-440-6025 or email [email protected]

For information on firefighting efforts go to ODF Southwest Oregon District https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/

06/12/2026

DFPA & BLM ROSEBURG DISTRICT NEWS RELEASE:

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭
𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟑

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Due to increasing temperatures, lower relative humidity levels, and the continued drying of vegetation throughout the Douglas District, fire restrictions are increasing across lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District.

Effective 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟐:𝟎𝟏 𝐚.𝐦., Public Use Restrictions will increase to 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 on all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District and Roseburg BLM District. In coordination with these restrictions, the BLM Roseburg District will implement Stage 2 Fire Prevention Restrictions on all BLM-administered public lands within the district.

Additionally, effective 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟐:𝟎𝟏 𝐚.𝐦, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) will increase to 𝐈𝐅𝐏𝐋 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝟐 on all lands protected by DFPA, including lands managed by the BLM.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Under Moderate Public Use Restrictions, the following activities are only permitted before 1:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m.:
• Non-industrial power saw use;
• Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal;
• Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass; and
• Operation of power-driven machinery for non-industrial property improvement or development on private lands.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝟐 (𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟓)

IFPL Level 2 applies to all lands protected by DFPA within regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, and UA-2, and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.
Under IFPL Level 2, the following activities may only operate between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.:

• Power saws (except power saws operating at loading sites);
• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws;
• Cable yarding;
• Blasting; and
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal.

𝐁𝐋𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝟐 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The BLM's Stage 2 Fire Prevention Order is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires on public lands during periods of elevated fire danger. Restrictions include:
• No open fires, including charcoal briquettes, except at designated BLM campgrounds:
o Cavitt Creek Falls Campground
o Eagleview Group Campground
o Susan Creek Campground
o Tyee Campground

• Gas-powered chainsaws may only be operated before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. Battery-powered and electric chainsaws are exempt from these hourly restrictions and may be operated throughout the day. All chainsaw operations require a shovel, fire extinguisher, and a one-hour fire watch following use.

Additional restrictions, exemptions, and temporary area closures may apply under the BLM Fire Prevention Order.

These restrictions are designed to reduce the likelihood of sparks or heat sources igniting dry vegetation during the hottest and driest parts of the day. As fire season conditions continue to evolve, additional restrictions may become necessary.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant while working or recreating outdoors and to stay informed regarding changing fire conditions.

For the latest information regarding DFPA restrictions and fire season updates, visit www.dfpa.net or follow the Douglas Forest Protective Association on social media.

For complete details regarding the BLM Roseburg District Stage 2 Fire Prevention Order, including exemptions and area-specific closures, visit:
https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-06/orwa-fpo-rbg-060126.pdf

Additional information about the Roseburg District is available at:
https://www.blm.gov/office/roseburg-district-office

05/28/2026

DFPA NEWS RELEASE:

FIRE SEASON BEGINS MAY 30, 2026.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) has announced that the 2026 fire season will officially begin Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 12:01 AM. All private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) land within the Douglas District are included in the fire season declaration. On private, county, state, and BIA lands, certain fire restrictions are imposed to help prevent wildfires.

In addition to the declaration of fire season, the DFPA will implement Public Use Restrictions Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 12:01 am on private, county, state, and BIA lands within the Douglas District. The public use restriction level will be set to LOW, which imposes certain fire restrictions on the public to help prevent wildfires.

Public use restrictions will be assessed and announced later for the Umpqua National Forest and the Roseburg District BLM. These fire prevention restrictions are put in place to ensure fire-prone activities do not start wildfires.

For more information on the Umpqua National Forest restrictions, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire.

For further information on BLM-managed lands, please visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

The following fire prevention measures will be in effect on private, county, state, and BIA land within the Douglas District:

• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, boats on the water, and other designated locations.
• Backyard debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.
• Open fires, including campfires, cooking, and warming fires, are prohibited except at designated sites.

Douglas County Parks designated sites: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground.
Private Campgrounds: Seven Feathers RV Resort and Umpqua Riverfront RV Park & Boat Ramp.

• Charcoal and pellet BBQs are only allowed at fully developed and maintained residential home sites when used in areas that are free of flammable vegetation. A charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere.

• The use of fireworks, exploding targets, and tracer am******on is prohibited. In addition, the use of sky lanterns is prohibited year-round in Oregon.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. This restriction is waived on private lands during low fire danger or when vehicles are used for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. In addition, each vehicle with three or more wheels traveling on forest roads must have an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. Motorcycles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

• Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The following restrictions are based on the official fire danger for the Douglas District, which can be found online at www.dfpa.net or by calling DFPA’s 24-hour information line at (541) 672-0379:

• The use of power saws for non-industrial purposes is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, non-industrial power saw use is prohibited. Each power saw is required to have a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity immediately available. In addition, a one-hour fire watch is required following the use of each saw. On BLM-managed lands in the Roseburg District, the use of non-industrial power saws or other equipment with internal combustion engines used for felling, bucking, skidding, or wood cutting is prohibited.

• The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal for non-industrial purposes is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, the cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited. These activities can only be conducted in an area free of flammable vegetation and a charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available. The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited on BLM-managed lands in the Roseburg District.

• The cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, the cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried or cured grass is prohibited. The culture and harvest of agricultural crops are exempt from this requirement.

• Any non-industrial improvement or development taking place on private property that utilizes power-driven machinery may operate all day during LOW fire danger. These activities are permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, these activities are prohibited unless a waiver has been issued. Each piece of power-driven machinery working is required to have a shovel and a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour once the equipment has completed work for the day.

• The agricultural use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, on unimproved roads for tending to livestock (feeding and watering) is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, this activity is permitted. If the relative humidity in the work area is ABOVE 30%. The vehicle must be operated in an area where the exhaust will not contact flammable vegetation, and it must be well-maintained and free of flammable debris buildup. Additionally, the vehicle MUST be equipped with an axe, a shovel, and either 1 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.

• The use of Fuel-powered generators may be operated in a cleared area free of flammable vegetation all day during LOW fire danger. The use of a generator is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, these activities are prohibited unless a waiver has been issued. The use of generators at residential homesites, when used in a cleared area that is free of flammable vegetation, is exempt from time restrictions. One shovel and one 2 ½ pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher must be immediately available.

The declaration of fire season also means the start of industrial fire regulations. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 12:01 am, all lands within the Douglas District will also go into Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 (IFPL I), in regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, UA-2 and all forestland within one-eight mile thereof.
During IFPL I, smoking is prohibited while working on or traveling through an industrial operation. In addition, specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be on-site and ready for use at all industrial operations and a fire watch is required once work has been completed for the day.

Additional fire restrictions or closures may be in place through private industrial landowners or other public land management agencies on their own or managed lands. For more information about public and industrial fire restrictions, visit the following sites:

• Douglas Forest Protective Association: www.dfpa.net/public-fire-restrictions

05/02/2026

Tiller Fire District is excited to announce that we have been awarded the Wildfire Season Staffing Grant again by the Oregon State Fire Marshals Office.

This grant allows our department to have a paid crew on shift during Fire Season. It helps us reduce our response times and ultimately bolster response not only to Natural Cover Fires but all emergencies within our response area and neighboring communities. This funding was very helpful last fire season and greatly bolstered our responses.

Thank you Oregon State Fire Marshal for this opportunity.

04/28/2026

Important Information:
Update: Conditions are looking favorable for ignitions to begin tomorrow, April 30 on Long Prairie Unit 710 prescribed burn. Pending all approvals and weather conditions, the 112-acre prescribed fire will take place on the Tiller Ranger District along National Forest Service Road 3201-300, west of Threehorn Campground starting tomorrow.

A 112-acre prescribed fire is planned on the Tiller Ranger District between April 27 and May 10, pending all approvals. Unit 710 is a planned underburn along National Forest Service Road 3201-300, west of Threehorn Campground.

The Forest Service is closely coordinating with Douglas Forest Protection Association, Oregon Department of Forestry, the Tiller Volunteer Fire Department, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

The Forest is working with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan the prescribed burn. Smoke impacts are one of the factors management officials use to determine when conditions are conducive to burn. We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before the burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

What does this mean for locals and recreators in the Tiller area?
• Expect extra traffic along roadways, give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• Slow down and obey posted speed limits.
• Flying drones or UAS near wildfires is illegal - if you fly, we can’t.
• Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
• When driving in smoke, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights.
• When the air quality is poor, stay indoors, and keep doors and windows closed.
• To find out air quality levels visit https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Tiller&state=OR&country=USA

Updates will be posted to this page and U.S. Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest prior to burning, so please check back for more information.