Landscape Maintenance: Jackson County’s 2025 Fire Restrictions

For landscape maintenance professionals in Jackson County, the arrival of dry, warm weather isn’t just a sign of lush growth; it’s a critical reminder of heightened wildfire risk. The 2025 Fire Season has officially begun, and understanding the specific regulations and best practices is paramount to ensuring safety for your crews, your clients’ properties, and our beautiful Southern Oregon environment.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has declared the 2025 Fire Season for Jackson County, with restrictions officially starting on June 1st, 2025. While the end date is typically in October, it will depend entirely on real-time weather and fuel moisture conditions. Current forecasts for Oregon and Washington indicate another potentially challenging wildfire season, with warmer than normal temperatures and unusually dry conditions anticipated. This necessitates an elevated level of vigilance and adherence to all fire prevention measures.

Key Restrictions Impacting Landscape Maintenance

When fire season is in effect, specific regulated public use restrictions are implemented across lands protected by the Southwest Oregon Forest Protection District, which covers a significant portion of Jackson County. These restrictions are designed to prevent human-caused wildfires, a leading cause of incidents in our region.

Here’s a breakdown of common restrictions you can expect and how they directly impact your landscape maintenance operations:

• Open Burning Prohibited: This is a universal restriction. Backyard debris burning is generally prohibited throughout fire season. This includes any burning of yard waste, brush, or other vegetation. This is a leading cause of wildfires, and violations can result in significant penalties, including citations and liability for fire suppression costs. Always confirm the “Burn Day” status by calling the Jackson County Burn Line (541-776-7007), even outside of the official fire season, before considering any burning.
• Power Saw and Equipment Use (Including Weed Trimmers/Brush Cutters): Activities involving internal combustion engines – such as power saws, weed eaters, brush cutters, mowers, grinders, and welders – are significantly restricted or prohibited during periods of moderate to extreme fire danger.
  • Low Fire Danger (Green): Activity permitted all day.
  • Moderate Fire Danger (Blue): Activity permitted until 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m.
  • High Fire Danger (Yellow): Activity permitted until 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.
  • Extreme Fire Danger (Red): Activity is prohibited.
  • Equipment Requirements: For any permitted power saw use, each power saw is required to have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least eight-ounce capacity. A Firewatch of at least one hour is required following the use of each saw.¹ Similar requirements often apply to other spark-emitting internal combustion engines; always ensure a charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available when operating such equipment.
• Mowing of Dried, Cured Grass: This activity is prohibited during extreme fire danger (RED). During moderate to high fire danger, it may be restricted to certain hours of the day (e.g., before 10 AM or after 8 PM). While agricultural crop culture and harvest may be exempt, general landscape mowing of dry grass falls under these restrictions.
• Welding and Grinding: These activities, when conducted outdoors or in areas not completely cleared of flammable materials, are also subject to time restrictions based on fire danger levels, similar to power saw use. They typically require a cleared area and immediate access to a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher.

Staying Informed and Prepared: Your Professional Responsibility

As landscape maintenance professionals, staying informed is not just recommended, it’s a professional necessity. Ignoring restrictions can lead to severe consequences, including fines, liability for wildfire suppression, and significant reputational damage.

Here’s how to keep up-to-date on current restrictions and fire danger levels:

• Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District: This is your primary source for official fire season declarations and public use restrictions. Check their website at oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx or call their Medford Unit at (541) 664-3328.
• Jackson County Burn Line: For daily updates on burn days and general information, always call (541) 776-7007.
• Jackson County Emergency Management: Their website (jacksoncountyor.gov) offers valuable resources, including current conditions and restrictions, “Be Ready, Be Set, Go” wildfire preparedness information, and current fire danger levels.
• Jackson County Fire District 3: Their website (jcfd3or.gov) provides information on burn permits and specific local regulations.
• Subscribe to Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts from Jackson County Emergency Management to receive critical updates.

Proactive Measures for Your Landscape Business

Beyond simply complying with restrictions, integrating fire prevention into your standard operating procedures is crucial:

• Pre-Work Site Assessment: Before starting any work, especially with spark-emitting equipment, assess the site for potential fire hazards (dry grass, abundant fine fuels, proximity to structures).
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all equipment, especially engines, are in excellent working order, free of excessive carbon buildup, and have spark arresters in good condition.
• On-Site Fire Suppression: Always have appropriate fire suppression tools readily accessible. This includes shovels, water (either a charged hose or adequate water supply), and fire extinguishers.
• Clear Work Zones: Before operating power equipment, clear a wide perimeter around your work area of any dry vegetation or flammable debris.
• Fire Watch: Implement a strict fire watch protocol, especially after using saws or other high-risk equipment. This means having a dedicated crew member remain on-site for at least an hour after work concludes to monitor for any smoldering embers.
• Client Education: Inform your clients about the importance of defensible space and the reasons behind fire season restrictions. Encourage them to maintain a fire-resistant landscape.

The 2025 fire season in Jackson County demands our collective attention and a proactive approach. By meticulously adhering to fire restrictions, prioritizing equipment safety, and implementing robust fire prevention protocols, landscape maintenance professionals can play a vital role in protecting our clients’ properties and our communities from wildfire. Let’s make this a season of diligent work and unwavering commitment to safety.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute² official legal advice or binding regulations. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding fire season and restrictions, these regulations are subject to change by relevant authorities (such as the Oregon Department of Forestry, Jackson County Emergency Management, and local Fire Districts). It is the reader’s and any business’s sole responsibility to verify current fire restrictions, industrial fire precaution levels (IFPLs), and safety guidelines directly with the official sources mentioned in this article. Our blog disclaims any liability for losses or damages incurred as a result of relying on the information presented herein. Always consult official channels for the most current and authoritative information regarding fire season and restrictions.