Fire season officially begins in the City of Grants Pass at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 15, bringing with it a new round of seasonal fire restrictions aimed at reducing wildfire risks throughout the community as Southern Oregon moves into the warmer and drier months of the year.
City officials announced that the initial fire danger level will begin at “Low,” represented by the green fire danger classification. While conditions are currently considered less severe than later summer months, the annual regulated closure restrictions outlined under Grants Pass Municipal Code 9.15 will immediately go into effect throughout the city limits.
The start of fire season arrives as communities across Josephine County continue preparing for another potentially dangerous wildfire year. Southern Oregon has experienced repeated wildfire threats in recent years, with dry vegetation, rising temperatures, and windy conditions creating conditions capable of rapidly spreading fires through both urban and rural areas.
Under the new restrictions, smoking will be prohibited in areas containing flammable vegetation. Open fires, including campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires, will also be prohibited unless specifically authorized at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. However, certain outdoor cooking and heating devices remain allowed during the low fire danger period, including propane barbecues, natural gas grills, charcoal barbecues, smokers, and propane or natural gas ornamental fire features.
The city’s regulations also place conditions on industrial and outdoor equipment use during fire season. Power saws may still be used throughout the day while the fire danger level remains low, but operators must have firefighting equipment immediately available. Each saw operator is required to maintain at least one shovel and a fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of eight ounces. In addition, a fire watch must remain in place for at least one hour after saw operations have ended to ensure no hidden sparks or smoldering debris ignite nearby vegetation.
Metal cutting, welding, and grinding activities in areas containing flammable vegetation are also permitted during the low fire danger period. The mowing of dry grass remains allowed as well, although officials continue urging residents to remain cautious during any activity capable of creating heat or sparks.
Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are restricted to improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation unless they are being used for agricultural operations involving the culture or harvest of crops. The restriction is designed to reduce the risk of vehicle exhaust systems or hot engine components igniting dry grass alongside roadways and trails.
The city also stated that any spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically covered under the regulations may only be used in cleared areas where immediate fire suppression tools are available. Residents using such equipment must have either a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher weighing at least 2.5 pounds readily accessible.
Officials noted that the Fire Marshal or an authorized representative retains the authority to approve modifications or waivers to certain restrictions in writing when circumstances allow.
The beginning of fire season marks the start of what is often several months of heightened wildfire awareness throughout Josephine County and the rest of Southern Oregon. Fire officials typically adjust danger levels and restrictions throughout the summer depending on weather conditions, fuel moisture levels, and fire activity across the region.
Residents seeking additional information regarding Grants Pass fire season regulations or fire prevention requirements may contact the City of Grants Pass Fire Prevention Division at 541-450-6200.