Question 1

When is Fire Season?

Accepted Answer

There are no set dates for the beginning and end of fire season. Oregon Department of Forestry is the agency who announces the official start and end dates each year—visit www.swofire.com for updates. We also post fire season information to our Facebook page when it is released by ODF.

Question 2

Can I mow?

Accepted Answer

If your grass is green or irrigated (such as a front lawn), you may mow year-round. Mowing restrictions only apply to dry, non-irrigated grass.

Fire season updates are posted at www.swofire.com. As fire season progresses, any changes to restrictions will be announced and explained each time the fire danger level is raised or lowered.

Question 3

How do I request a Station Tour, Fire Engine, or Ride-Along?

Accepted Answer

Please use the form here.

Question 4

How do I submit a Records Request?

Accepted Answer

Please use the form here

Question 5

What are the regulations for Wood Burning Stoves?

Accepted Answer

The use of wood stoevs is regulated by Jackson County and DEQ for residents who live inside the AQMA. If you live outside the AQMA, you are not subject to those regulations. Learn more HERE.

Question 6

How do I find the ISO Classification Rating for a propety?

Accepted Answer

Here is a map where you can search an address to find the ISO Classification Rating.

Within the FD5 boundary, properties are rated on the following scale:
   > Within city limits = Score of 3
   > Within 5 driving miles of a Station = Score of 4
   > Everything else = Score of 10

Question 7

Can I open burn right now?

Accepted Answer

Residential Burning Guidelines

Inside the AQMA: Residential burning is prohibited November 1 through February 28 and at all times during fire season. [Click here to view the AQMA map.] 
Within the cities of Phoenix and Talent: Open burning is not allowed at any time.
Outside the AQMA: Open burning is only permitted on declared burn days and with a valid burn permit.

Burn Day Information:
 The daily burn status is posted each morning. Call 541-776-7007 for the recorded message to confirm if it is a burn day.

Burn Permit Requirement:
If you live in an area where open burning is allowed, you must also have a burn permit, available at www.jcfd5.com.

Prohibited Materials:
Burning of household trash, garbage, or treated/painted materials is strictly prohibited.

Backyard Fire Pits & Fireplaces:
FIRE DISTRICT 5 does not regulate:
The use of small fire pits, fire tables, outdoor fireplaces, barbecue pits, campfires, and similar activities provided that they are burning clean dry firewood, propane, natural gas, charcoal or similar fuels AND the fire is confined by a noncombustible barrier (such as a metal fire ring, masonry or stone enclosure, a hole in bare earth, etc.) A burn permit is not required for small fire pits, fire tables, outdoor fireplaces, or similar.

NOTE:
Burning of leaves, branches, and other yard debris, or agricultural waste, is NOT exempt from outdoor burning rules, even if it is burned within an approved fire pit or similar appliance. Burning such material is considered Open Burning.

Question 8

When should I start preparing my property for Fire Season?

Accepted Answer

The sooner you begin, the better. Don’t wait until fire season restrictions are in place. Too often, people delay mowing until it’s too late—and by then, restrictions prevent the work from being done.

For resources such as wildfire-resistant plant lists and safety tips, visit https://jcfd3or.gov/wildfire-preparedness/.

Question 9

Do I need to clear cut my property for wildfire danger?

Accepted Answer

No. Smart planning can protect your home and still keep it beautiful. People are often surprised at how a few small changes can make the difference to save a house, removing ladder fuels is key and we can help guide you on how to do that.

Planting or landscaping right now? Check out this fire-resistant plant guide: tinyurl.com/fireresistplants. https://tinyurl.com/fireresistplants

Question 10

I have invasive blackberries. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan blackberry can be very difficult to permanently remove. Staying on top of regrowth is important. Here is some helpful info: https://tinyurl.com/invblackberry

Jackson County Fire District No. 5

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