Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and IFPL 2 Forest-Wide

As the weather continues to trend towards warming and drying, officials with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest have determined to move into Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions (PURs) across the forest beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 and effective through Nov 30, 2025 unless rescinded. 

The fire danger rating will move to HIGH and Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2 will go into effect at this time. 

View the order on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest's website.

HIGH Fire Danger is when: 

• All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from any cause.
• Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape.
• Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common.
• Fire may become serious and their control difficult unless they are hit hard and fast while small.

Public Use Restrictions Level 2:

Campfires are restricted to:

• Forest service-constructed fire rings or fireplaces in designated sites
• Commercial campfires solely pressurized by liquid fuel or propane

Stoves are restricted to:

• Commercial stoves or campfires solely fueled by liquid fuel or propane
• Not allowed are smudge pots, wood stoves, charcoal, and briquettes

Smoking is restricted to: 

• Enclosed vehicles, buildings, designated recreation sites, and watercraft
• Areas of at least 3 feet in diameter that are cleared of all flammable material 

Generators are restricted to:  

• Generators with approved spark arrestors, in designated recreation sites 

Motorized vehicles are restricted to: 

• Forest Development Road
• Designated parking areas
• Roads and trails identified as open to motorized travel on the Motor Vehicle Use Maps available for each District.

Firewood cutting is restricted to:  

• Cutting must be done in compliance with the terms of the current year's Forest Removal Permit.
• Within the hours of 8PM to 10AM followed by a one-hour fire watch.
• Electric chainsaw use is exempt from this order and allowed all day followed with a 30-minute fire watch. 

Industrial Fire Precautions Level 2: 

The following may operate only between the hours of 8 PM and 1 PM local time:

• Power saws (except at loading sites)
• Cable Yarding,
• Blasting
• Welding or cutting of metal

Additional fire restrictions are expected to be put in place as fire season progresses. If you’re planning to recreate or utilize equipment on public lands this summer, please keep current regarding fire safety notifications and regulations in southwest Oregon. 

Remember: Avoid parking over dead grass and vegetation. Do not allow tow chains to drag on pavement. Make sure campfires in allowed in designated campgrounds are dead out prior to departure. Fireworks are never allowed on public lands. 

Thank you for helping minimize human-caused fire starts on public lands!