FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE
DATE: April 30th, 2020
CONTACT: Chris Chambers, Wildfire Division Chief
541.890.8816
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FIRE SEASON IN SOUTHWEST OREGON STARTS MAY 1, GET READY!
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District and City of Ashland will start fire season on Friday, May 1, at 12:01 a.m. The fire danger level will be LOW (green). All of Ashland is vulnerable to wildfires and now is the time to prepare your home and get ready for evacuations.
Open burning on all lands protected by ODF in Jackson and Josephine counties and throughout the City of Ashland will be prohibited. Fire season is starting a month earlier this year, and the spring and summer forecast is for drier and warmer than normal conditions. If you see smoke, please call 911.
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The following restrictions will be in effect throughout the City of Ashland when Fire Season begins:
- Outdoor Debris Burning is Prohibited
The following fire restrictions are in effect throughout the City of Ashland at all times of the year:
- Fireworks are prohibited throughout the year within the City of Ashland.
- Sky Lanterns are prohibited throughout the year within the City of Ashland.
- Campfires are prohibited except Lithia Park’s designated campfire rings and in commercially designed wood-burning outdoor fireplaces during periods of low and moderate fire danger. Outdoor fireplaces are banned during High and Extreme fire danger. Gas stoves are allowed.
Find the most current fire danger and restrictions at
www.ashland.or.us/fireseason or by contacting Ashland Fire & Rescue at 541-482-2770.
Ashland Fire & Rescue asks that all Ashland residents remember the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation levels. Be prepared for the possibility of evacuation at READY or Level 1. Be READY now by
signing up for emergency alerts, preparing an emergency and personal supplies kit, develop an evacuation plan, and become
Firewise by removing combustible plants and debris around your home and from the roof. Find more information about being READY at
ashland.or.us/evacuation.
Additional information can be obtained as follows:
- Ashland Emergency Alerts – Sign up for Nixle for immediate community alerts and updates during emergencies like wildfires, evacuations, and smoke at ashland.or.us/nixle
Emergency Broadcast Radio – 1700 AM – provides information on current emergencies affecting the citizens of Ashland. This low wattage broadcast can only be heard in Ashland.
Regional fire information can be found at the ODF website:
www.swofire.com
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