Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Associated Documents

Forest Order

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. 

This Order will be effective at 00:01 on July 11th, 2025, until November 30, 2025, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, or stove anywhere within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest except:

• a. When using commercial stoves or campfires solely fueled by liquid fuel or propane are permitted.
• b. Within Forest Service constructed concrete or metal fire rings or fireplaces in developed recreation sites listed and identified in Exhibits A through I. [36 CFR § 261.52(a)]

2. Using and explosive. [36 CFR § 261.52(b)]

3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. [36 CFR § 261.52(h)]

4. Smoking outside, except: [36 CFR § 261.52(d)]

• a. Within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed recreation site.
• b. While stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• c. While aboard a watercraft while navigating or at rest on a waterway.

5. Operating an internal combustion engine, with the following exceptions: [36 CFR § 261.52(g)]

• a. On a motor vehicle on Forest Development Roads or within designated parking areas.
• b. Aboard a watercraft while navigating or at rest on a waterway.
• c. Generators with approved spark arrestors, in designated recreation sites as listed on Exhibit A through I.
• d. Operation of off-Highway Vehicles (“OHVs”) on forest roads and trails approved for OHV use.
• e. Use of chainsaws or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for the collection of fuel wood is not permitted between the hours of 1PM through 8PM and will be regulated by the permit. Electric chainsaw use is exempt from this order and allowed all day with a required 30-minute fire watch. (See Exemption #5)

STAGE 2 EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this order.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. Persons using a portable lantern, stove, or campfire, which is solely fueled by gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel and has a shut-off valve, or a generator with an approved spark arrestor in a cleared area at least five feet from any flammable material.

4. Persons with a valid Forest Service special use authorization for a recreation residence, resort, or organizational camp are exempt from Prohibition No. 1 while at their recreation residence, resort, or organizational camp, provided such fires are within a residence, and persons within approved Forest Service constructed concrete or metal fire rings or fireplaces.

5. Persons with a valid Forest Service 2025 Forest Products Removal Permit (fuelwood permit) are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. Use of a chainsaw with an approved spark arrestor to cut fuelwood, provided the cutting follows the terms of the Permit and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, within the hours of 8PM through 1PM followed by a required one-hour fire watch. Electric chainsaw use is exempt from this order and allowed all day followed with a mandatory 30-minute fire watch. When conducting a fire watch, the watchman must be physically capable of remaining on duty for the purposes of extinguishing a potential fire. The watchman must remain at the site for 30-minutes after the shutdown of the last power-driven equipment, while patrolling and visually inspecting all sites where work was performed.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC § 3559 and 18USC § 3571 and 3581). Executed in Medford, OR this 9th day of July 2025.

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