JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 26, 2026) – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is decreasing the fire danger level from “Moderate” (blue) to “Low” (green), effective immediately, October 26, 2026. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level I (one). These changes affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The decrease comes following rainfall across Southwest Oregon, with additional precipitation expected in the coming days. Fall weather has also brought cooler daytime and overnight temperatures and improved relative humidity recovery. Shorter daylight hours and the absence of persistent dry east winds have also contributed to more favorable conditions. Higher humidity levels extending into the daytime hours are helping vegetation retain moisture, reducing its susceptibility to ignition and slowing potential fire spread. These conditions have allowed the district to return to the Low fire danger level for the first time since the beginning of the 2026 fire season on May 15.

Despite the decrease in fire danger, fire season is not over, and debris burning remains prohibited. This includes burning yard debris, brush piles and the use of burn barrels. Although cooler temperatures and increased moisture have reduced fire danger, vegetation in some areas remains dry enough to ignite and carry fire. The public is reminded that all current fire season regulations remain in effect, regardless of the lower fire danger level.

The following public fire restrictions remain in effect:

• Debris burning, including burn piles and burn barrels, remains prohibited.
• Fireworks are prohibited on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, on BLM land and on private land with the landowner’s permission. Designated campgrounds can be found at www.swofire.com/maps. Where open fires and appliances are allowed, one shovel and one gallon of water or a 2½-pound fire extinguisher are required.
• Portable cooking appliances using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation.
• Smoking while traveling is only allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and in other specifically designated locations.

Under IFPL I, industrial fire season requirements remain in effect, including firewatch requirements unless otherwise waived.

While the arrival of fall weather is a welcome change, the district will continue evaluating weather patterns, fuel moisture and fire activity as it awaits a significant, season-ending weather event that will allow fire season to safely conclude. Until then, the public is encouraged to continue practicing fire prevention and following all current restrictions, as cooler conditions alone do not eliminate wildfire risk.

The end of fire season will be announced separately once conditions across the district support lifting seasonal restrictions.

For more information about current fire restrictions and regulations, visit www.swofire.com or contact the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest you:

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

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