Welcome to Illinois Valley Fire District
Welcome to Illinois Valley Fire DistrictWelcome to Illinois Valley Fire DistrictWelcome to Illinois Valley Fire DistrictWelcome to Illinois Valley Fire District
Welcome to Illinois Valley Fire District
BURN PERMITS / Community Connect
Click the link below to obtain your 2026 Burn Permit. Starting on 10/28/2026.
ODF Announcement as of 10/28/2026 at 12:01 AM
Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District 5286 Table Rock Rd. Central Point, OR 97502
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Samantha Kadera, Public Information Officer Samantha.kaderaodf.oregon.gov
Fire season ends in ODF Southwest Oregon District following widespread rainfall
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 27, 2026) - After 166 days, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is officially declaring an end to the 2026 fire season in Jackson and Josephine counties, effective Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
Recent rainfall, cooler temperatures and a shift toward consistent fall weather have allowed all fire season regulations and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) to be lifted. This declaration affects approximately 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands protected by ODF across Jackson and Josephine counties. At this time, industrial slash burning remains prohibited.
Since fire season was declared on May 15, ODF firefighters have responded to 210 fires across Jackson and Josephine counties, totaling approximately 17,220 acres burned. Despite periods of extreme fire danger, rapidly developing incidents and multiple large fires requiring extended suppression efforts, firefighters successfully kept 95% of fires at 10 acres or less, just below ODF's annual goal of 98%.
Dry conditions were already creating challenges before the official start of fire season. On May 9, the Carney Flat Fire burned approximately 23 acres, highlighting the potential for wildfire activity even before seasonal restrictions took effect. Just ten days after fire season began, the Blackwell Road Fire burned approximately 48 acres on May 25. Additional incidents followed in June, including the Spencer Gulch Fire on June 14 and the West Jones Creek Road Fire on June 15, demonstrating the early-season fire potential across the district.
One of the most significant incidents of the season was the East Evans Creek Fire, which began July 10 in Jackson County and ultimately burned approximately 15,580 acres. Rapid fire growth, challenging terrain and heavy fuel loads complicated suppression efforts, prompting the deployment of ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 and later Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1. Firefighters spent weeks strengthening containment lines and protecting surrounding communities, with extensive support from local, state and federal agencies.
On July 19, the Waldo Road and Ridge Vista fires started within minutes of each other near Cave Junction, creating simultaneous demands on firefighters and emergency responders. The fires burned approximately 31 and 16 acres, respectively, prompting evacuation notices and requiring a coordinated response from multiple agencies. These incidents highlighted the challenges of managing multiple fire starts at once while maintaining resources for additional emergencies.
August brought several more significant incidents, beginning with the Interstate 5 Mile Marker 57 Fire near Grants Pass on August 1, which burned approximately 96 acres. Days later, the Woodrat Mountain Fire started in the Applegate Valley on August 6, growing to approximately 288 acres. On August 13, the Fielder Mountain Fire ignited near Rogue River, presenting particularly challenging conditions due to intense fire activity, steep terrain along Interstate 5 and its proximity to nearby homes and the city of Rogue River. The fire ultimately burned approximately 573 acres and prompted the deployment of ODF Incident Management Team 1 to assist with suppression efforts and structure protection.
Fire activity continued into September and October. On September 20, firefighters responded to the Anderson Butte Road Fire in the Upper Applegate, which ultimately burned approximately 78 acres. The West Fork Evans Creek Fire followed on October 15 in the Sams Valley area, growing to approximately 283 acres. Steep, rocky terrain, heavy fuels and limited water access complicated suppression efforts, demonstrating that significant wildfire activity remained possible even as fall weather began arriving across Southwest Oregon.
Throughout the season, aggressive initial attack, aviation resources and close coordination with local fire districts, law enforcement, emergency management agencies and state and federal partners played a critical role in limiting fire growth and maintaining response capabilities during extended incidents.
The largest fires of the 2026 season on the district include:
Fire Name
Date
Acres
Cause
East Evans Creek
July 10
15,580
Equipment Use
Fielder Mountain
Aug. 13
573
Under Investigation
Woodrat Mountain
Aug. 6
288
Equipment Use
West Fork Evans Creek
Oct. 15
283
Under Investigation
I-5 Mile Marker 57 NB
Aug. 1
96
Equipment Use
Anderson Butte
Sept. 20
78
Recreation
Spencer Gulch
June 14
48.91
Under Investigation
Blackwell Road
May 25
48.2
Miscellaneous
Waldo Road
July 19
30.6
Equipment Use
West Jones Creek
June 15
17
Equipment Use
Ridge Vista
July 19
15.53
Equipment Use
Forks State Park
Aug. 9
11
Smoking
Fall weather began bringing relief to Southwest Oregon in October, with cooler temperatures, improved relative humidity recovery, shorter daylight hours and the absence of persistent dry east winds contributing to decreasing fire danger. Recent widespread rainfall and additional precipitation have provided the moisture needed to bring the declared fire season to an end.
The termination of fire season removes ODF's seasonal fire prevention regulations on equipment use and debris burning for the public and industrial operations on protected forestlands. However, industrial slash burning remains prohibited. Many structural fire agencies require permits for residential debris burning, and additional local restrictions may apply. Before burning, residents should check with their local fire department for permit requirements and confirm that burning is allowed in their area. Residents can check daily burning conditions through their county's burn information line:
- Jackson County Burn Line: (541) 776-7007
- Josephine County Burn Line: (541) 476-9663
Although the declared fire season has ended, wildfires can still start and spread during fall and winter, particularly during dry or windy conditions. Residents are encouraged to never leave burn piles unattended, keep water and tools readily available and use caution when operating machinery that could produce sparks.
ODF firefighters remain available to respond to wildfires throughout the year. The district extends its appreciation to the many local, state and federal partners, cooperators and community members whose support contributed to suppression efforts throughout the 2026 fire season.
For fire prevention information and updates from the ODF Southwest Oregon District, visit www.swofire.com or follow the district on Facebook at @ODFSouthwest.
Join Us!
🚨 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 🚨
Illinois Valley Fire District
🔥 Volunteer Firefighters
Ongoing Recruitment
We are seeking responsible, team-oriented individuals who are mentally and physically capable of serving their community.
✅ No experience required
✅ Training provided
✅ Serve your community in a meaningful way
🚧 Volunteer Support Members
Ongoing Recruitment
Help support emergency operations in key roles:
- Traffic Control
- Rehab Support
- Water Tender Operator
📍 How to Apply
In Person:
681 Caves Highway
Cave Junction, OR 97523
Email:
📧 jamiepaul@ivfire.com
💬 Serve Your Community. Make a Difference. Join IVFD Today.
IVFD Defensible Space Programs
Our fire district is no stranger to wildfire and there are things you can do to your home and property to reduce the risk to your home and your community. Please contact us for more information.