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Watson Falls Along the North Umpqua Highway

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Ryan Finlay

Watson Falls along the North Umpqua Highway is the highest waterfall in southwest Oregon at 293 feet. It's another spectacular waterfall and hike.

Elijah Finlay

Angela Anderson

Moses Finlay

Josh Gaunt

Crews will begin overnight work Sunday on a project to repair the two Interstate 5 bridges over the North Umpqua River at Winchester, north of Roseburg, the Oregon Department of Transportation said.

The first closures take effect the night of May 31. Lanes will close nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday morning, and reopen during the day and on weekends and holidays. A temporary 50 mph limit will apply through the work zone.

The $5.18 million project will resurface the travel lanes, replace expansion joints, upgrade the bridge rails, and add screening to keep objects from falling between the two structures. ODOT expects the work to finish by Sept. 15.

Carter and Company, the Salem-based prime contractor, will start with the southbound bridge and move to the northbound bridge later in the summer. Its first task is to stripe a temporary centerline and set concrete barrier down the middle of the southbound deck, narrowing it to a 10-foot right lane and a 14-foot-10-inch left lane.

By day, southbound drivers may use either lane. At night, crews will close the wider lane and work behind the barrier. After two to three weeks, the contractor will shift the barrier to the other lane.

A nighttime detour will be available for southbound trucks and wide loads, leaving I-5 at Exit 129, following Del Rio Road and Garden Valley Road, and rejoining at Exit 125. The southbound on-ramp at Exit 129 will be limited to loads of 10 feet or less in early June, then close to all traffic overnight for several weeks later in the month.

The northbound phase will bring similar barriers and width limits, with the same detour run in reverse.

ODOT advised drivers to use alternate routes and watch for roadside message boards. More information is available on the project website or from ODOT public information officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200.

Crews will begin overnight work Sunday on a project to repair the two Interstate 5 bridges over the North Umpqua River at Winchester, north of Roseburg, the Oregon Department of Transportation said.The first closures take effect the night of May 31. Lanes will close nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday morning, and reopen during the day and on weekends and holidays. A temporary 50 mph limit will apply through the work zone.The $5.18 million project will resurface the travel lanes, replace expansion joints, upgrade the bridge rails, and add screening to keep objects from falling between the two structures. ODOT expects the work to finish by Sept. 15.Carter and Company, the Salem-based prime contractor, will start with the southbound bridge and move to the northbound bridge later in the summer. Its first task is to stripe a temporary centerline and set concrete barrier down the middle of the southbound deck, narrowing it to a 10-foot right lane and a 14-foot-10-inch left lane.By day, southbound drivers may use either lane. At night, crews will close the wider lane and work behind the barrier. After two to three weeks, the contractor will shift the barrier to the other lane.A nighttime detour will be available for southbound trucks and wide loads, leaving I-5 at Exit 129, following Del Rio Road and Garden Valley Road, and rejoining at Exit 125. The southbound on-ramp at Exit 129 will be limited to loads of 10 feet or less in early June, then close to all traffic overnight for several weeks later in the month.The northbound phase will bring similar barriers and width limits, with the same detour run in reverse.ODOT advised drivers to use alternate routes and watch for roadside message boards. More information is available on the project website or from ODOT public information officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200.

Overnight lane closures and a truck detour through mid-September

Crews will begin overnight work Sunday on a project to repair the two Interstate 5 bridges over the North Umpqua River at Winchester, north of Roseburg, the Oregon Department of Transportation said.

The first closures take effect the night of May 31. Lanes will close nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday morning, and reopen during the day and on weekends and holidays. A temporary 50 mph limit will apply through the work zone.

The $5.18 million project will resurface the travel lanes, replace expansion joints, upgrade the bridge rails, and add screening to keep objects from falling between the two structures. ODOT expects the work to finish by Sept. 15.

Carter and Company, the Salem-based prime contractor, will start with the southbound bridge and move to the northbound bridge later in the summer. Its first task is to stripe a temporary centerline and set concrete barrier down the middle of the southbound deck, narrowing it to a 10-foot right lane and a 14-foot-10-inch left lane.

By day, southbound drivers may use either lane. At night, crews will close the wider lane and work behind the barrier. After two to three weeks, the contractor will shift the barrier to the other lane.

A nighttime detour will be available for southbound trucks and wide loads, leaving I-5 at Exit 129, following Del Rio Road and Garden Valley Road, and rejoining at Exit 125. The southbound on-ramp at Exit 129 will be limited to loads of 10 feet or less in early June, then close to all traffic overnight for several weeks later in the month.

The northbound phase will bring similar barriers and width limits, with the same detour run in reverse.

ODOT advised drivers to use alternate routes and watch for roadside message boards. More information is available on the project website or from ODOT public information officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200.

I-5 Bridge Repairs North of Roseburg Begin Sunday Night

Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity has opened a ReStore at 1026 NE Diamond Lake Blvd. in Roseburg, giving the nonprofit a new revenue stream to fund affordable housing construction and home repairs in Douglas County.

The store, roughly two years in the making, sells donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and home accessories at reduced prices, according to the organization. Proceeds stay local and go toward Habitat's building and repair programs in the Umpqua Valley. The organization said the store's revenue is also meant to help fund future disaster response and recovery if the area is hit by flooding, wildfire, or severe winter storms.

Mayor Larry Rich dedicated the new location at a grand opening celebration on May 9 that included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a proclamation declaring May as Habitat for Humanity Month in Roseburg. The event also featured live music, a food truck, a silent auction, raffle drawings, and door prizes for the first 50 shoppers. Guests could enter to win an encounter for four at Wildlife Safari.

A grant from Rogue Credit Union helped fund the ReStore's launch and the organization's Twin Oaks build in Riddle, according to a statement from the organization. Habitat broke ground there in 2025 on its first neighborhood, a planned 20 homes.

Since 1996, the local affiliate has built 15 homes and completed more than 80 repair projects, including a program that helps seniors and people with disabilities repair their homes so they can age in place.

The ReStore stocks gently used home furnishings and building materials, all donated by community members. The organization said it uses a color-coded pricing system that discounts items up to 30 percent depending on the color of the price tag. The store also picks up donated items that meet its guidelines, making it easier for residents to contribute without hauling goods themselves.

Residents can support Habitat's mission by shopping, donating items, or volunteering. The organization said it has volunteer opportunities at the ReStore and on construction sites, with no experience required for build days. Habitat provides tools and lunch.

The ReStore can be reached at (541) 900-6935. More information about Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity is available at umpquavalleyhabitat.org.

Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity has opened a ReStore at 1026 NE Diamond Lake Blvd. in Roseburg, giving the nonprofit a new revenue stream to fund affordable housing construction and home repairs in Douglas County.The store, roughly two years in the making, sells donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and home accessories at reduced prices, according to the organization. Proceeds stay local and go toward Habitat's building and repair programs in the Umpqua Valley. The organization said the store's revenue is also meant to help fund future disaster response and recovery if the area is hit by flooding, wildfire, or severe winter storms.Mayor Larry Rich dedicated the new location at a grand opening celebration on May 9 that included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a proclamation declaring May as Habitat for Humanity Month in Roseburg. The event also featured live music, a food truck, a silent auction, raffle drawings, and door prizes for the first 50 shoppers. Guests could enter to win an encounter for four at Wildlife Safari.A grant from Rogue Credit Union helped fund the ReStore's launch and the organization's Twin Oaks build in Riddle, according to a statement from the organization. Habitat broke ground there in 2025 on its first neighborhood, a planned 20 homes.Since 1996, the local affiliate has built 15 homes and completed more than 80 repair projects, including a program that helps seniors and people with disabilities repair their homes so they can age in place.The ReStore stocks gently used home furnishings and building materials, all donated by community members. The organization said it uses a color-coded pricing system that discounts items up to 30 percent depending on the color of the price tag. The store also picks up donated items that meet its guidelines, making it easier for residents to contribute without hauling goods themselves.Residents can support Habitat's mission by shopping, donating items, or volunteering. The organization said it has volunteer opportunities at the ReStore and on construction sites, with no experience required for build days. Habitat provides tools and lunch.The ReStore can be reached at (541) 900-6935. More information about Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity is available at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="http://umpquavalleyhabitat.org">umpquavalleyhabitat.org</a>.

Mary Zink

Steffanie Moore

New thrift store will fund affordable housing across Douglas County

Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity has opened a ReStore at 1026 NE Diamond Lake Blvd. in Roseburg, giving the nonprofit a new revenue stream to fund affordable housing construction and home repairs in Douglas County.

The store, roughly two years in the making, sells donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and home accessories at reduced prices, according to the organization. Proceeds stay local and go toward Habitat's building and repair programs in the Umpqua Valley. The organization said the store's revenue is also meant to help fund future disaster response and recovery if the area is hit by flooding, wildfire, or severe winter storms.

Mayor Larry Rich dedicated the new location at a grand opening celebration on May 9 that included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a proclamation declaring May as Habitat for Humanity Month in Roseburg. The event also featured live music, a food truck, a silent auction, raffle drawings, and door prizes for the first 50 shoppers. Guests could enter to win an encounter for four at Wildlife Safari.

A grant from Rogue Credit Union helped fund the ReStore's launch and the organization's Twin Oaks build in Riddle, according to a statement from the organization. Habitat broke ground there in 2025 on its first neighborhood, a planned 20 homes.

Since 1996, the local affiliate has built 15 homes and completed more than 80 repair projects, including a program that helps seniors and people with disabilities repair their homes so they can age in place.

The ReStore stocks gently used home furnishings and building materials, all donated by community members. The organization said it uses a color-coded pricing system that discounts items up to 30 percent depending on the color of the price tag. The store also picks up donated items that meet its guidelines, making it easier for residents to contribute without hauling goods themselves.

Residents can support Habitat's mission by shopping, donating items, or volunteering. The organization said it has volunteer opportunities at the ReStore and on construction sites, with no experience required for build days. Habitat provides tools and lunch.

The ReStore can be reached at (541) 900-6935. More information about Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity is available at 

Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity Opens ReStore on Diamond Lake Boulevard

Liner Solutions, a new spray-on bed liner business, is now open in Roseburg and serving customers across Douglas County! The business is owned by Dave Saracco, a father and husband who grew up in Douglas County and has 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. 

“The past few years, I’ve been working out of town but had a desire to invest in my community,” Saracco said. “I have noticed a local need for bed liner services, so I decided it’s something I want to provide to Douglas County.”

Liner Solutions specializes in spray-on bed liners and truck bed repairs. The coatings can be applied to a wide range of surfaces and equipment, including truck beds, running boards, bumpers, UTVs, ATVs, boats, trailers, and individual parts. Saracco said the material works on most surfaces and can renew a variety of items.

Saracco has been spraying bed liners for customers and employers throughout his career. “I have an eye for detail and deliver thorough, precise work,” he said. “It’s important to me to provide customers with a finished product they are satisfied with, and to bring their particular vision to life.”

Appointments are required and can be scheduled Monday through Friday by phone, email, or social media. Saracco offers free in-person quotes for anyone in Douglas County.

“I’m excited to provide quality service, work locally, and spend more time with my family,” he said.

Liner Solutions can be reached at 541-784-5314, by email at linersolutions@yahoo.com, or through:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bpgqUdFyS/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Instagram at liner_solutions: https://www.instagram.com/liner_solutions/

Liner Solutions, a new spray-on bed liner business, is now open in Roseburg and serving customers across Douglas County! The business is owned by Dave Saracco, a father and husband who grew up in Douglas County and has 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. “The past few years, I’ve been working out of town but had a desire to invest in my community,” Saracco said. “I have noticed a local need for bed liner services, so I decided it’s something I want to provide to Douglas County.”Liner Solutions specializes in spray-on bed liners and truck bed repairs. The coatings can be applied to a wide range of surfaces and equipment, including truck beds, running boards, bumpers, UTVs, ATVs, boats, trailers, and individual parts. Saracco said the material works on most surfaces and can renew a variety of items.Saracco has been spraying bed liners for customers and employers throughout his career. “I have an eye for detail and deliver thorough, precise work,” he said. “It’s important to me to provide customers with a finished product they are satisfied with, and to bring their particular vision to life.”Appointments are required and can be scheduled Monday through Friday by phone, email, or social media. Saracco offers free in-person quotes for anyone in Douglas County.“I’m excited to provide quality service, work locally, and spend more time with my family,” he said.Liner Solutions can be reached at 541-784-5314, by email at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="mailto:linersolutions@yahoo.com">linersolutions@yahoo.com</a>, or through:Facebook: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1bpgqUdFyS/?mibextid=wwXIfr">https://www.facebook.com/share/1bpgqUdFyS/?mibextid=wwXIfr</a> Instagram at liner_solutions: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/liner_solutions/">https://www.instagram.com/liner_solutions/</a>

Karen Finlay

New business brings 20 years of automotive experience to Douglas County

Liner Solutions, a new spray-on bed liner business, is now open in Roseburg and serving customers across Douglas County! The business is owned by Dave Saracco, a father and husband who grew up in Douglas County and has 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. 

“The past few years, I’ve been working out of town but had a desire to invest in my community,” Saracco said. “I have noticed a local need for bed liner services, so I decided it’s something I want to provide to Douglas County.”

Liner Solutions specializes in spray-on bed liners and truck bed repairs. The coatings can be applied to a wide range of surfaces and equipment, including truck beds, running boards, bumpers, UTVs, ATVs, boats, trailers, and individual parts. Saracco said the material works on most surfaces and can renew a variety of items.

Saracco has been spraying bed liners for customers and employers throughout his career. “I have an eye for detail and deliver thorough, precise work,” he said. “It’s important to me to provide customers with a finished product they are satisfied with, and to bring their particular vision to life.”

Appointments are required and can be scheduled Monday through Friday by phone, email, or social media. Saracco offers free in-person quotes for anyone in Douglas County.

“I’m excited to provide quality service, work locally, and spend more time with my family,” he said.

Liner Solutions can be reached at 541-784-5314, by email at 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1bpgqUdFyS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/liner_solutions/

Liner Solutions Opens in Roseburg, Offering Spray-On Bed Liners and More

Fire season in the Douglas District officially begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 30, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association. The declaration covers all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs land in the district and imposes restrictions on burning, smoking, vehicle use, and a range of outdoor activities.

Public use restrictions will start at the low level, the least restrictive tier, but one that still bans backyard debris burning, burn barrels, fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, sky lanterns, and most open fires. Sky lanterns are prohibited year-round in Oregon. Smoking while traveling is prohibited except inside vehicles on improved roads, on boats, or at other designated locations.

Campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires are allowed only at designated sites. Those include six Douglas County Parks locations: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground. Two private campgrounds are also designated: Seven Feathers RV Resort and Umpqua Riverfront RV Park and Boat Ramp.

Charcoal and pellet BBQs may be used only at fully developed and maintained residential home sites in areas clear of flammable vegetation, with a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher of at least 2½ pounds on hand. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere.

Any electric fence controller in use must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Activity Restrictions Tied to Fire Danger Level

Several outdoor activities are governed by the official daily fire danger rating, which can shift as conditions change. At the current low level, non-industrial power saw use, metal cutting and welding, mowing of dried grass, operation of power-driven machinery on private property, and fuel-powered generator use are all permitted throughout the day. At moderate fire danger, those activities are restricted to before 1:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. At high fire danger, the window narrows to before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. At extreme fire danger, non-industrial power saw use, metal work, and mowing are prohibited outright. Power-driven machinery and generators are also prohibited at extreme unless a waiver has been issued.

Generators at residential homesites used in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation are exempt from time restrictions.

Each power saw must have a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity nearby, and a one-hour fire watch is required after use. Each piece of power-driven machinery on private property must also have a shovel and a 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, with a one-hour fire watch required after work ends for the day. Metal work must take place in an area free of flammable vegetation with a hose or extinguisher available.

Motor vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs are restricted to improved roads free of flammable vegetation, though this restriction is waived on private lands during low fire danger and for vehicles used in the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Vehicles with three or more wheels on forest roads must carry an axe, a shovel, and either one gallon of water or a 2½ pound fire extinguisher. Motorcycles require a gallon of water or an extinguisher.

The agricultural use of motor vehicles on unimproved roads for tending livestock is permitted all day during low fire danger, with tighter time windows at higher danger levels. During extreme fire danger, this use is permitted only if the relative humidity in the work area is above 30%. Those vehicles must be operated where exhaust will not contact flammable vegetation, must be well maintained and free of debris buildup, and must carry an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. ATVs used for this purpose require a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher.

Industrial Regulations Also Take Effect

The fire season declaration simultaneously triggers Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 across regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, and UA-2, including all forestland within one-eighth of a mile. Under that level, smoking is banned at industrial operations, specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be on site and ready for use, and a fire watch is required after work ends for the day.

Restrictions for the Umpqua National Forest and Roseburg District BLM lands have not yet been set. Those agencies will assess and announce their own public use restrictions separately. Information on Umpqua National Forest restrictions is available at fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire, and BLM restrictions can be found at blm.gov/orwafire.

The current fire danger level for the Douglas District is posted at dfpa.net and on the DFPA’s 24-hour information line at 541-672-0379.

Fire season in the Douglas District officially begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 30, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association. The declaration covers all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs land in the district and imposes restrictions on burning, smoking, vehicle use, and a range of outdoor activities.Public use restrictions will start at the low level, the least restrictive tier, but one that still bans backyard debris burning, burn barrels, fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, sky lanterns, and most open fires. Sky lanterns are prohibited year-round in Oregon. Smoking while traveling is prohibited except inside vehicles on improved roads, on boats, or at other designated locations.Campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires are allowed only at designated sites. Those include six Douglas County Parks locations: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground. Two private campgrounds are also designated: Seven Feathers RV Resort and Umpqua Riverfront RV Park and Boat Ramp.Charcoal and pellet BBQs may be used only at fully developed and maintained residential home sites in areas clear of flammable vegetation, with a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher of at least 2½ pounds on hand. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere.Any electric fence controller in use must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Activity Restrictions Tied to Fire Danger LevelSeveral outdoor activities are governed by the official daily fire danger rating, which can shift as conditions change. At the current low level, non-industrial power saw use, metal cutting and welding, mowing of dried grass, operation of power-driven machinery on private property, and fuel-powered generator use are all permitted throughout the day. At moderate fire danger, those activities are restricted to before 1:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. At high fire danger, the window narrows to before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. At extreme fire danger, non-industrial power saw use, metal work, and mowing are prohibited outright. Power-driven machinery and generators are also prohibited at extreme unless a waiver has been issued.Generators at residential homesites used in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation are exempt from time restrictions.Each power saw must have a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity nearby, and a one-hour fire watch is required after use. Each piece of power-driven machinery on private property must also have a shovel and a 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, with a one-hour fire watch required after work ends for the day. Metal work must take place in an area free of flammable vegetation with a hose or extinguisher available.Motor vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs are restricted to improved roads free of flammable vegetation, though this restriction is waived on private lands during low fire danger and for vehicles used in the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Vehicles with three or more wheels on forest roads must carry an axe, a shovel, and either one gallon of water or a 2½ pound fire extinguisher. Motorcycles require a gallon of water or an extinguisher.The agricultural use of motor vehicles on unimproved roads for tending livestock is permitted all day during low fire danger, with tighter time windows at higher danger levels. During extreme fire danger, this use is permitted only if the relative humidity in the work area is above 30%. Those vehicles must be operated where exhaust will not contact flammable vegetation, must be well maintained and free of debris buildup, and must carry an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. ATVs used for this purpose require a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher.Industrial Regulations Also Take EffectThe fire season declaration simultaneously triggers Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 across regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, and UA-2, including all forestland within one-eighth of a mile. Under that level, smoking is banned at industrial operations, specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be on site and ready for use, and a fire watch is required after work ends for the day.Restrictions for the Umpqua National Forest and Roseburg District BLM lands have not yet been set. Those agencies will assess and announce their own public use restrictions separately. Information on Umpqua National Forest restrictions is available at fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire, and BLM restrictions can be found at blm.gov/orwafire.The current fire danger level for the Douglas District is posted at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="!text-blue-600 !cursor-pointer hover:!underline" href="http://dfpa.net">dfpa.net</a> and on the DFPA’s 24-hour information line at 541-672-0379.

Shelley

Debris burning, campfires, and fireworks prohibited starting May 30

Fire season in the Douglas District officially begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 30, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association. The declaration covers all private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs land in the district and imposes restrictions on burning, smoking, vehicle use, and a range of outdoor activities.

Public use restrictions will start at the low level, the least restrictive tier, but one that still bans backyard debris burning, burn barrels, fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, sky lanterns, and most open fires. Sky lanterns are prohibited year-round in Oregon. Smoking while traveling is prohibited except inside vehicles on improved roads, on boats, or at other designated locations.

Campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires are allowed only at designated sites. Those include six Douglas County Parks locations: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground. Two private campgrounds are also designated: Seven Feathers RV Resort and Umpqua Riverfront RV Park and Boat Ramp.

Charcoal and pellet BBQs may be used only at fully developed and maintained residential home sites in areas clear of flammable vegetation, with a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher of at least 2½ pounds on hand. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere.

Any electric fence controller in use must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Activity Restrictions Tied to Fire Danger Level

Several outdoor activities are governed by the official daily fire danger rating, which can shift as conditions change. At the current low level, non-industrial power saw use, metal cutting and welding, mowing of dried grass, operation of power-driven machinery on private property, and fuel-powered generator use are all permitted throughout the day. At moderate fire danger, those activities are restricted to before 1:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. At high fire danger, the window narrows to before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. At extreme fire danger, non-industrial power saw use, metal work, and mowing are prohibited outright. Power-driven machinery and generators are also prohibited at extreme unless a waiver has been issued.

Generators at residential homesites used in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation are exempt from time restrictions.

Each power saw must have a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity nearby, and a one-hour fire watch is required after use. Each piece of power-driven machinery on private property must also have a shovel and a 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, with a one-hour fire watch required after work ends for the day. Metal work must take place in an area free of flammable vegetation with a hose or extinguisher available.

Motor vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs are restricted to improved roads free of flammable vegetation, though this restriction is waived on private lands during low fire danger and for vehicles used in the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Vehicles with three or more wheels on forest roads must carry an axe, a shovel, and either one gallon of water or a 2½ pound fire extinguisher. Motorcycles require a gallon of water or an extinguisher.

The agricultural use of motor vehicles on unimproved roads for tending livestock is permitted all day during low fire danger, with tighter time windows at higher danger levels. During extreme fire danger, this use is permitted only if the relative humidity in the work area is above 30%. Those vehicles must be operated where exhaust will not contact flammable vegetation, must be well maintained and free of debris buildup, and must carry an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. ATVs used for this purpose require a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher.

The fire season declaration simultaneously triggers Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 across regulated use areas DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, and UA-2, including all forestland within one-eighth of a mile. Under that level, smoking is banned at industrial operations, specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be on site and ready for use, and a fire watch is required after work ends for the day.

Restrictions for the Umpqua National Forest and Roseburg District BLM lands have not yet been set. Those agencies will assess and announce their own public use restrictions separately. Information on Umpqua National Forest restrictions is available at fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire, and BLM restrictions can be found at blm.gov/orwafire.

The current fire danger level for the Douglas District is posted at 

 and on the DFPA’s 24-hour information line at 541-672-0379.

Fire Season Begins Saturday in Douglas County

“Strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are expected for much of the area today, with the highest chances east of the Cascades in Oregon and especially across northern Klamath and Lake counties. There is a marginal to slight risk for severe thunderstorms (5-29%), mainly for areas from around/just north of Crater Lake, along Highway 97 north of Chiloquin and across the Christmas Valley. The main threat with storms will be strong, damaging winds, but also lightning, hail and heavy rainfall. Storms will move from east to west early on, then shift direction from north to south late this afternoon/evening. Thunderstorm chances diminish the farther south and west you are where the atmosphere will be more stable, but widespread showers are still expected.“

Via U.S. National Weather Service Medford Oregon

“Strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are expected for much of the area today, with the highest chances east of the Cascades in Oregon and especially across northern Klamath and Lake counties. There is a marginal to slight risk for severe thunderstorms (5-29%), mainly for areas from around/just north of Crater Lake, along Highway 97 north of Chiloquin and across the Christmas Valley. The main threat with storms will be strong, damaging winds, but also lightning, hail and heavy rainfall. Storms will move from east to west early on, then shift direction from north to south late this afternoon/evening. Thunderstorm chances diminish the farther south and west you are where the atmosphere will be more stable, but widespread showers are still expected.“Via U.S. National Weather Service Medford Oregon

Kathy Guentner

“Strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are expected for much of the area today, with the highest chances east of the Cascades in Oregon and especially across northern Klamath and Lake counties. There is a marginal to slight risk for severe thunderstorms (5-29%), mainly for areas from around/just north of Crater Lake, along Highway 97 north of Chiloquin and across the Christmas Valley. The main threat with storms will be strong, damaging winds, but also lightning, hail and heavy rainfall. Storms will move from east to west early on, then shift direction from north to south late this afternoon/evening. Thunderstorm chances diminish the farther south and west you are where the atmosphere will be more stable, but widespread showers are still expected.“

Via U.S. National Weather Service Medford Oregon

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Thursday in Douglas County

The Glide Farmers Market will open its first season on June 2 at the Glide Community Center Annex.

The market will run every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the fall. Vendors offering homegrown, homemade, and handmade products are welcome to participate.

The Glide Farmers Market will open its first season on June 2 at the Glide Community Center Annex.The market will run every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the fall. Vendors offering homegrown, homemade, and handmade products are welcome to participate.

Weekly market will run Tuesdays through the fall at the Community Center Annex

The Glide Farmers Market will open its first season on June 2 at the Glide Community Center Annex.

The market will run every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the fall. Vendors offering homegrown, homemade, and handmade products are welcome to participate.

Watson Falls Along the North Umpqua Highway

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More Stories

I-5 Bridge Repairs North of Roseburg Begin Sunday Night

Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity Opens ReStore on Diamond Lake Boulevard

Liner Solutions Opens in Roseburg, Offering Spray-On Bed Liners and More

Fire Season Begins Saturday in Douglas County

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Thursday in Douglas County

Glide Farmers Market Opens June 2

Stay informed