Effective September 2, 2026 | Fire Season Remains in Effect

Lookingglass Rural Fire District is passing along the latest fire season update from the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA).

Due to decreased temperatures and recent precipitation across lands protected by DFPA, the Public Use Restriction Level will decrease to LOW effective at 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will also decrease to Level 2 at 12:01 p.m. on September 2.

These changes apply to private, county, state, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other applicable forestlands within the Douglas Forest Protection District.

What Does LOW Fire Danger Mean for the Public?

The reduction in restrictions reflects improved fuel moisture conditions. However, fire season remains in effect, and the public should continue exercising caution when using equipment, vehicles, or fire outdoors.

Under LOW Public Use Restrictions, the following non-industrial activities on private property are allowed all day:

• Power saw use
• Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal
• Cutting, trimming, or mowing dried or cured grass
• Power-driven machinery used for non-industrial improvement or development

Residents should remember that a reduction in restrictions does not eliminate the possibility of accidentally starting a wildfire.

Off-Road Vehicle Use

Off-road driving is allowed with landowner permission. Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, must remain on improved roads free of flammable vegetation except when being used for cultivating or harvesting agricultural crops.

Passenger vehicles traveling on forestlands, except on state highways, county roads, and driveways, must carry:

• An axe
• A shovel
• One gallon of water or a 2½-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher

ATVs must carry a 2½-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2

IFPL Level 2 applies to DFPA-protected lands within regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, and UA-2, as well as forestland within one-eighth mile of those areas.

Under IFPL Level 2, the following industrial activities may only operate between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.:

• Power saws, except power saws operating at loading sites
• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal

Fire Season Is Not Over

Lookingglass Rural Fire District reminds residents and visitors that LOW fire danger does not mean NO fire danger.

Although cooler temperatures and precipitation have improved conditions, vegetation can still burn, equipment can still produce sparks, and human-caused fires remain possible.

As we head into Labor Day weekend, please continue to use caution while recreating, working, and traveling throughout Douglas County.

Before heading outdoors:

• Check current fire restrictions before beginning an activity.
• Secure trailer chains so they cannot drag on the roadway and produce sparks.
• Never park vehicles over dry grass or brush.
• Only have campfires in locations where they are currently permitted.
• Completely extinguish campfires before leaving.
• Keep barbecues and grills away from dry vegetation.
• Never leave an outdoor fire or grill unattended.

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but it does not mark the end of fire season.

LRFD encourages everyone to continue doing their part to protect Lookingglass, our neighboring communities, and the surrounding forests. Preventing wildfires remains a shared responsibility throughout the remainder of fire season.

Additional Information

For the most current fire danger levels, Public Use Restrictions, IFPL information, and other fire season updates, visit the Douglas Forest Protective Association at www.dfpa.net or contact the DFPA office at 541-672-6507.

DFPA administrative offices will be closed to the public on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

Information adapted from a Douglas Forest Protective Association news release.