Fire Season 2026 Starts in Josephine County
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District officially declared the start of fire season on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The current fire danger level is Low (Green), with an Industrial Fire Precaution Level of I (One).
This declaration affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city, and BLM forestlands across Jackson and Josephine counties.
Why Fire Season Is Starting
Snowpack across the region is minimal and drought conditions in both counties are contributing to dry vegetation and an earlier-than-usual fire risk. As temperatures trend warmer through summer, fire risk will continue to increase.
What's Prohibited Starting May 15
- No debris burning, including burn piles and burn barrels
- No fireworks on or within 1/8 mile of ODF-protected land
- No exploding targets, tracer ammunition, or bullets with a pyrotechnic charge
What's Still Allowed
Campfires are permitted in designated campgrounds, on BLM land, and on private land with landowner permission. See designated campgrounds at swofire.com/maps. You must have one shovel and one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher on hand.
Camp stoves and fire pits using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed in areas clear of flammable vegetation for 50 feet in all directions.
Charcoal and pellet grills are allowed at fully developed residential home sites in a cleared area with a garden hose or fire extinguisher immediately available.
Smoking while traveling is only allowed inside enclosed vehicles on improved roads or in boats on the water.
Questions?
Contact the ODF Grants Pass Unit: 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass -- (541) 474-3152
