Lookingglass Rural Fire District (LRFD) would like to address a situation that sometimes causes confusion within the community during periods of increased fire danger.

When certain Fire Danger Levels are in effect — such as HIGH, EXTREME, or other stages that include time or equipment-use restrictions — LRFD may be dispatched to reports of people performing work that appears to violate current regulations. Our crews may arrive, determine there is no immediate fire risk, and leave while the work continues.

Why This Happens

There are legitimate reasons why certain activities may still be permitted during restricted fire danger periods:

Agricultural Exemptions

• Agricultural work is exempt from many public use restrictions. However, if a fire starts as a result of such work, the responsible party may face fines or be required to pay suppression costs.

DFPA Waivers

• The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) can issue special waivers allowing certain work to occur.
• DFPA will inspect the site, confirm that proper fire suppression resources are available, and verify that the work can be completed safely before granting approval.

Important: LRFD does not issue these waivers — only DFPA can authorize them.

LRFD’s Role and Authority

Many residents have asked why LRFD does not issue citations for regulation violations. The reason is simple: LRFD does not have citation authority.

Our role is to:

• Ensure there is no immediate fire risk.
• Educate the public about current restrictions.
• Request assistance from DFPA or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office when enforcement action may be necessary.

In most cases, DFPA is automatically dispatched to reports of restriction violations or natural cover fires. They will conduct their own investigation and decide whether education or enforcement is appropriate.

Contact Information for DFPA

Douglas Forest Protective Association
Phone: (541) 672-6507
Website: www.dfpa.net

Our Appreciation

We thank the Lookingglass community for staying alert and informed during fire season. Even when certain activities are allowed, safe practices remain critical to protecting lives, homes, and property.

Stay alert. Stay safe. Stay fire ready.

— Lookingglass Rural Fire District