NW Oregon to raise fire precaution levels July 30

July 28, 2015

July 28, 2015      

Contact:

Malcolm
Hiatt

Oregon Dept.
of Forestry

503-397-2636,
Malcolm.e.hiatt@oregon.gov

The Oregon
Department of Forestry (ODF) will increase restrictions on industrial activity
in the forests of northwestern Oregon July 30 in response to rising wildfire
danger forecast to begin later this week. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level
(IFPL) for the NW-1 Zone will go to Level 2, and Zones NW-2 and NW-3 will rise
to Level 3 on that date.

These
changes affect all lands protected by the Northwest Oregon Forest Protection
District (ODF’s Astoria, Forest Grove and Tillamook districts), including all
forestland within one-eighth of a mile of the districts. (A map showing the
zones can be found on the ODF website,
www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/fire/precautionlevelmap.aspx)

Level 2: Partial Hootowl
The following activities are allowed only between the hours of 8 p.m.
and 1 p.m.:
·        
powersaw use except at loading sites
·        
cable yarding
·        
blasting
·        
welding or cutting of metal

Level 3: Partial Shutdown
The following activities are prohibited except as indicated:
  • cable
    yarding – except that gravity operated logging systems employing
    non-motorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. when all
    blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above the ground, except the
    line between the carriage and the chokers.
  • powersaws
    – except powersaws may be used at loading sites and on tractor/skidder
    operations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.  
In addition, the following activities
are allowed between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.:
  • tractor/skidder,
    feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations where tractors,
    skidders or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fire line
    are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire
    start; 
  • mechanized
    loading or hauling of any product or material;
  • blasting;
  • welding or cutting of metal;
  • any other spark-emitting operation not specifically
    mentioned.
Fire watch waiver is still
in effect:
IFPL 1 = 1 hour
IFPL 2 = 2 hours
IFPL 3 = 3 hours
IFPL 4 = Shutdown

With NW-2 & NW-3 at
IFPL 3, the non-industrial chainsaw waiver and the OHV (off-highway vehicle)
waiver are not applicable. The OHV trails in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek,
Diamond Mill, and Trask and the trails in the BLM Nestucca Riding Area are
CLOSED and will remain closed until further notice. Only the improved,
maintained gravel roads in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, Diamond Mill, Trask
and all other areas of the forest remain open for OHV use. 

More information can be found at:

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