Welcome to Illinois Valley Fire District

As of September 30th, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.

Fire danger, IFPL decreases in Jackson and Josephine Counties

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 29, 2025) – Widespread rain and more in the forecast has made it possible to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “moderate” (blue), and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will decrease to I (one) on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine Counties.

For public use, restrictions on chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being further relaxed, allowing the use of equipment near dry vegetation until 1:00 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily.

Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

· No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.

· No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.

· Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.

· Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves or firepits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations clear of vegetation.

· Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.

· Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.

· Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger, excluding electric chainsaws. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use.

· Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.

· The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high moderate danger. This restriction includes battery, electric or gas-powered mowers, weed eaters and all other types of lawncare equipment when used on dry grass. This regulation does not include the mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops, which is allowed at any time.

· Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.

· Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

· A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

· Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328

· Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our X account, @swofire.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Illinois Valley Fire District is currently accepting applications for:

• Volunteer Firefighters (Ongoing Recruitment)
  We are looking for responsible, team-oriented individuals who are mentally and physically capable of serving their community. Training is provided.
  
   

To apply, submit your application materials in person at 681 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, OR 97523, or email them to jamiepaul@ivfire.com.

Create or update your Community Connect profile here

Burn Permits will be available through Community Connect at the end of 

Fire Season 2025.

Our fire district is no stranger to wildfire and there are things you can do to your home and property to reduce the risk to your home and your community.

We are here to help and have developed two programs to educate and reduce the barriers that may be preventing you from protecting your home.