The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) raised the fire danger level to HIGH across the Douglas District effective July 11 — and that changes how and when you can do property work.

With drought emergencies declared statewide, record-low snowpack, and above-normal temperatures forecast through October, Oregon’s 2026 fire season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in years. Here in Douglas County, we know how fast conditions can change.

The good news? You can still protect your property — you just need to plan your work around the current restrictions.

What HIGH Fire Danger Means for Property Owners

Under the DFPA’s HIGH public use restrictions, the following activities are only allowed before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM:

Mowing, cutting, or trimming dried grass
Non-industrial power saw use
Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal
Operating power-driven machinery for property improvement

Important: Battery and electric string trimmers are exempt from these time restrictions. Each piece of equipment must have a shovel and a 2.5-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher immediately available. A one-hour fire watch is required after work is completed for the day.

Debris burning is prohibited during fire season. For the full list of current restrictions, visit dfpa.net/public-fire-restrictions.

Make the Most of Your Work Windows

With only early morning and evening hours to operate equipment, your time is limited. That makes two things critical:

Have a plan. Walk your property and prioritize the most important areas first — within 100 feet of structures, along driveways and access roads, and near fence lines.
Have your equipment ready. When your window is 5 AM to 10 AM, the last thing you need is a tractor that won’t start or a mower that’s not cutting right. Get your equipment serviced now so every minute counts.

What Is Defensible Space?

Defensible space is the buffer zone between your home and the surrounding wildland. The Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends at least 100 feet of cleared, managed space around structures (oregondefensiblespace.org).

Key steps:

Clear brush, dead grass, and overgrown vegetation around structures
Create firebreaks along property lines, access roads, and driveways
Prune trees — branches at least 6–10 feet from the ground
Remove debris from roofs, gutters, and around foundations
Move firewood and propane at least 30 feet from buildings

How Your Kubota Can Help

Rotary Cutters & Brush Hogs — Clear heavy brush, blackberries, and tall grass along your perimeter fast
Flail Mowers — Controlled cutting near structures and on uneven terrain
Front-End Loaders — Haul debris, move firewood stacks, and clear property
Box Blades & Rear Blades — Scrape firebreaks down to mineral soil

Your Fire Season Checklist

Check DFPA restrictions at dfpa.net before starting any work
Schedule outdoor equipment work before 10 AM or after 8 PM
Keep a shovel and fire extinguisher with each piece of equipment
Perform a 1-hour fire watch after finishing work
Clear brush and vegetation within 100 feet of structures
Create firebreaks along driveways, roads, and property lines
Clean roofs and gutters of leaves and pine needles
Move combustibles away from buildings
Service your equipment NOW
Have an evacuation plan and know your routes

Don’t Wait — Get Your Equipment Ready

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