June 29, 2023 3:30 p.m.
The Douglas Forest Protective Association is reminding residents celebrating this long holiday weekend to use caution if recreating in wildland areas.
Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said high pressure in the region will increase temperatures, and lower relative humidity which will lead to increased fire danger.
Pope said dry grass and other flashy fuels can easily ignite and spread quickly. Due to the heightened threat of fire, Pope said its crucial that everyone know and follow DFPA’s public use restrictions that are currently in effect.
Under those restrictions, the use of fireworks is prohibited on all DFPA protected land, which includes private, county, state, Bureau of Indian Affairs lands and BLM-administered lands within the Douglas District.
In addition to restrictions on fireworks, campfires are also restricted.
Open fires, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, are prohibited except at designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquid or bottled fuels are allowed.
Designated campgrounds include:
*Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds:
Cavitt Creek, Eagle View, Scaredman, Susan Creek and Tyee
*Douglas County Parks Campgrounds:
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Amacher Park, Pass Creek, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta, and Whistlers Bend
*Private Campgrounds:
Seven Feathers RV Resort, Umpqua’s Last Resort, Umpqua Riverfront RV Park and Boat Ramp
Pope said as a reminder, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, sky lanterns, and debris burning are also prohibited.
Those recreating should check with the landowner where they plan to go. Many large landowners have closed public access to their land holdings due to the fire danger.
Complete fire season information is at: www.dfpa.net