Citing the recent heat wave, the Oregon Department of Forestry increased the fire danger from moderate to high today in Jackson and Josephine counties. The increased fire danger means there is also now a ban on smoking in wildlands outside enclosed vehicles and restricted use of chainsaws, heavy machinery, welding equipment and mowing of dry grass. Driving off improved roads is also banned. The department s firefighters protect private, state, county and Bureau of Land Management lands. The Siskiyou National Forest has prohibited the use of campfires on the wild section of the Rogue River downstream from Galice.
Smoking is permitted only in boats on the river or on sandy beaches and gravel bars.
Boaters are required to carry a shovel and bucket to fight fires. Computer models are indicating the fire season is heating up like the deadly 1994 season, Turco said, referring to fires which killed 14 firefighters in Colorado and one in Jackson County. But once we get into fire danger, things can take off very quickly.