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:
###
July 28, 2015
The warm, dry conditions in Oregon this summer have produced more
wildfires than average. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports 617 fires to
date. The decadal average is just 432 fires. The good news is, this year’s
fires have burned less forest – about 3,200 acres compared to the annual
average of more than 16,000 acres. In 2015, firefighters have been able to stop
most fires at relatively small size. But this coming weekend will be a test.
Extremely hot, dry conditions are forecast. That increases the likelihood
that any new fires will spread rapidly. Lightning fires just happen. But
human-caused fires can be prevented. Please help keep the numbers low by being
mindful of fire safety in the forest.
July 22, 2015
The Douglas Forest Protective Association and Lookingglass Rural Fire Department responded to a grass fire at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. The fire was located near the intersection of Lookingglass and Colonial Roads.
Firefighters stopped the fire spread at 1/10th of an acre.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact DFPA or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Although temperatures have dropped, fuels statewide are dry and the public is reminded to remain vigilant in preventing wildfire.
July 7, 2015
The Niagara Fire was 55 percent contained as of 1 p.m. July 7. Oregon Dept. of Forestry firefighters have completed a hose lay on 85 percent of the perimeter, enabling them to extinguish hot spots as they are detected. Cause of the fire remains under investigation. Reported July 4, the 70-acre fire is burning in the Santiam Unit of ODF’s North Cascade District along Highway 22 near Big Cliff Dam.
July 5, 2015
The 70-acre Niagara Fire burning in the North Cascade District’s Santiam Unit is 15 percent contained as of Sunday afternoon. Continued hot, dry conditions have intensified fire behavior today, and firefighters are hitting the blaze hard with aerial and ground resources. Burning beside Highway 22 near Big Cliff Dam, the fire was reported around noon on July 4. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry is leading the suppression effort, and the U.S. Forest Service and local fire departments are assisting. Cause remains under investigation.
July 4, 2015
The Niagara Fire, 20-30 acres in size, was reported today burning along Highway 22 in the North Cascade District at Milepost 39 near the Big Cliff Dam on Oregon Dept. of Forestry-protected lands. ODF firefighters are performing initial attack. The high-potential fire is burning in heavy timber.
July 2, 2015
July 2, 2015, 11 a.m.
Oregon
Department of Forestry
Incident
Management Team 1
John
Buckman, Incident Commander
Fire
Information: (541) 987-2348
Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team
1 has assumed suppression responsibility for the Corner Creek Fire. It is
burning on the west side of the South Fork John Day River, about 11 miles south
of Dayville. The Corner Creek Fire has burned
12,750 acres on the Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management
Prineville District, and private lands. Part of the fire is in the Black Canyon
Wilderness.
The Corner Creek Fire is
growing rapidly, spreading to the south and southwest. Strong and highly
visible pyro-cumulus clouds formed over the fire in the afternoon, towering to
more than 20,000 feet. Firefighters are protecting structures in the vicinity.
Fire crews are looking for opportunities to control the fire spread, including
clearing fuels near forest roads to the south and west of the fire. These may
be used as fire lines for burnout operations.
The South Fork
Road/Hwy 42 has been closed to the general public from Dayville to the US
Forest Service 58 Road junction due to fire activity. Local traffic should
drive with caution due to heavy fire-related traffic.
The Sugarloaf Fire is now at 5,057 acres and 65 percent
containment. Most of the active fire is on the northeastern edge, where burnout
operations continue to secure the fire line. Heavier fuels in the forested
areas are requiring extensive mop-up. Firefighters continue to patrol and mop
up around structures along Dick Creek Road. The western part of Sugarloaf Fire,
Blue Basin Fire, and Schoolhouse Gulch Fire are being patrolled by
firefighters.
The camp for firefighters assigned to these fires is
on Highway 26 about 2.5 miles west of Dayville. Please drive with caution and
watch for heavy fire traffic.
The forecast for the rest of the week is a concern for
fire managers. The forecast calls for continuing hot weather with low humidity
and northwest winds gusting 20 to 25 mph. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued
for Friday and Saturday due to expected hot, dry weather with wind gusts to 30
mph.
###
July 1, 2015
June 30 was a very successful day for firefighters
working in ODF’s Central Oregon District(COD). All fires in the John Day Unit were held
within containment lines.
The Jones Canyon Fire was mapped at 840 acres
yesterday. Several SPA [special purpose appropriation] aircraft were used to aid firefighters on the
ground and hold the fire within fire lines. This fire is burning in steep
rocky terrain with difficult access. Firefighters will be focusing on
mop-up on this fire over the next several days. There is significant work
to be done to cool hot spots and strengthen the fire line.
Firefighters at the Harper Complex will continue to focus on mop-up within
the containment lines of the fires. There has been no growth on these fires
since Monday.
On Monday The Dalles Unit held the Happy Ridge Fire to just
under 15 acres. This fire had significant potential, burning in pine and
oak with high temperatures. The fire boss from Salem and SEATs [single engine air tankers] were
used to cool fuels and allow crews and dozers to construct line.
Fire crews throughout the district have provided mutual aid
to other agencies in addition to suppressing numerous ODF fires ignited by the
weekend thunderstorms. Extreme fire conditions remain throughout the
district with high temperatures, low humidity, and increasing winds.
Yesterday’s success will allow fire managers to regroup and prepare for
thunderstorms forecast for later this weekend and early next week as well as
the potential fire activity over the holiday weekend. The potential for
holdover fires remains a threat throughout the district.
Over the next few days resources will be released from the
fires and will be returning to their home units. Sending units will be
contacted to plan for their return. These resources have done an
outstanding job, and are much appreciated for their hard work.
ODF Team 1 (John Buckman, incident commander) has been making significant progress on
the Sugarloaf Fire burning on BLM Offset private lands as well as BLM and
inside the John Day Fossil Beds. This fire is approximately 4,800 acres.
Yesterday team assumed command of the Blue Basin Fire inside the Fossil Beds,
which burned just over 300 acres. This fire is under investigation and is
currently in mop-up status. Later this afternoon the team will
assume control of the Corner Creek Fire, estimated to have grown to over 6,000
acres since it was discovered on June 29. Corner Creek is
also burning on BLM Offset private lands, BLM and Forest Service lands. It is
located about 11 miles south of Dayville on the edge of the Black Canyon
Wilderness. The fire is burning away from the wilderness on the west side
of the S. Fork of the John Day River. The fire is burning across the
river from the site of the South Fork Complex which burned in 2014. Yesterday the
fire grew from 2,500 to the estimated 6,000 acres. A VLAT [very large air tanker], 3 tankers, 4
SEATs [single engine air tankers] and 3 helicopters were used to protect structures along Wind Creek.
As we have all heard and seen, fire conditions are extreme
with no relief in sight. Resources from other districts and areas, along
with the SPA aircraft, contributed to the effort and success in controlling
these fires under extreme conditions. While it is only July 1,
we are truly in the heart of fire season.
Thanks to all the firefighters who have come to COD and helped
put the fires out, as well as to everyone who has picked up extra duties back
in their home units.
July 1, 2015
The fire danger is high, and conditions on the ground,
combined with hot, dry weather have prompted the Douglas Forest Protective
Association to tighten fire restrictions on forest operations. Beginning 1
a.m. Thursday, July 2, DFPA will impose Industrial Fire
Precaution Level III (3) on all private, county, state, and Bureau of Land
Management lands within DFPA’s 1.6 million acre district. The
increase means that industrial operators are prohibited in performing the
following:
·
Cable yarding – except that gravity operated logging systems with
non-motorized carriages may operate before 1 p.m. or after 8 p.m. when all
blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above ground except the line
between the carriage and the chokers;
·
Power saws – except at loading sites and at tractor skidder
operations before 1 p.m. or after 8 p.m.
In addition, the following
activities are permitted before 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m.
·
Tractor,
skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations where
tractors, skidders, or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline 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.
For the general public,
fire restrictions are increasing as well. Under DFPA’s Regulated Use
Closure, when IFPL III goes into effect, all non-industrial chain saw use is
prohibited. In addition, several changes have been made to the Regulated
Use Closure which also take effect July 2.
- The cutting, grinding and
welding of metal for non-industrial purposes is prohibited, between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Cutting, grinding and welding of
metal is permitted at all other hours, if conducted in a cleared area and
if a water supply is present.
·
The mowing of
dead, dry grass with power driven equipment is prohibited between the hours of
10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
For more information about
the current industrial and public use closures that are in effect, visit www.dfpa.net or call the information line
541-672-0379.
###
July 1, 2015
The Douglas Forest Protective Association and local fire departments responded to two natural cover fires Tuesday afternoon.
The first fire was reported at 1:50 p.m. near Highway 138 West, Mile Post 16. A brushing crew in the area from the Douglas County Public Works Department and employees from ODOT worked on suppressing the fire before DFPA and Kellogg Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene. Firefighters were able to stop the fire spread at 1/2 acre. Firefighters remained on scene until 6:00 p.m. securing fire trails and mopping up hot spots.
Fire officials determined that the fire was caused by a holdover debris pile which was burned earlier this spring. Fire official ask that anyone who has burned debris piles this past winter or spring, check the burned area for any remaining heat or smoke, as debris piles have the ability to smolder for long periods of time before popping back to life on hot, windy days.
As firefighters were responding to the fire on Highway 138 West, a second fire was reported at 1:55 p.m. at Cooper Creek Reservoir near Sutherlin. Firefighters from DFPA, Douglas County Fire District #2, and Fair Oaks Rural Fire Department responded to the fire and stopped the spread at 1/10th of an acre.
Fire officials determined that the Cooper Creek fire was started by juveniles playing with a lighter.
With hot, dry weather forecasted for the next week, fire officials ask that everyone know and follow the public use restrictions currently in effect. Fire official says that the dry fuels in wildland areas are currently at conditions normally seen towards the end of July or early August.
For a complete list of public or industrial restrictions currently in effect, visit www.dfpa.net or call 541-672-0379.
June 29, 2015
Oregon Dept. of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 1 took over command of the 5,500-acre Sugarloaf Fire Monday morning. The fire team is stationed at Dayville School. The fire is burning nine miles north of Dayville on Bureau of Land Management lands and private lands protected by the BLM. ODF’s team is managing the suppression effort because all four interagency teams are already deployed (to two fires in Oregon, and two in Alaska). Reported Saturday, the fire is burning in brush, grass and timber fuels. It is 20 percent contained. One outbuilding has been destroyed, and a dozen residences are threatened. Cause is lightning.
June 26, 2015
Wildfire activity on
the 16 million acres of private and public lands protected by the Oregon Dept.
of Forestry (ODF) was relatively light this past week. Fire managers are
currently focused on fire weather conditions predicted to set up today and
continue into the weekend.
The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center in Portland advises that
“Lightning and atmospheric instability are expected to begin over sections
of southern Oregon today and spread northward over the weekend. Fire danger
indices have climbed high enough to warrant elevated risk of large fires due to
the number of lightning strikes expected over the weekend. A number of sections
of Oregon and Washington will be affected, so pay attention to local weather
forecasts. Thunderstorms will become wet but the atmospheric instability plus
the sheer number of new starts from lightning will challenge initial attack
over the weekend. A number of new large fires are likely to result.”
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported on ODF-protected lands this week.
FIRES ON OTHER LANDS
The Buckskin Fire reported June 11 burning 10 miles SW of Cave Junction on the
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is 5,345 acres and 60 percent contained.
More info available at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4286/
The Little Basin Fire reported June 15 burning 10 Miles North of Imnaha in the
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is 630 acres and 97 percent contained.
More info available at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4290/
June 25, 2015
June 25, 2015
Contact:
Mike Cafferata
Forest Grove District Forester
503-359-7430, mike.j.cafferata@oregon.gov
Recent wildfires in northwestern Oregon have prompted a plea
to recreational target shooters to be extra careful in the forest. In the past two
weeks, three fires ignited by shooting burned 68 acres, cost $100,000 to put
out, and caused considerable damage to private and public timberlands.
For the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Mike
Cafferata, the fires bring back bad memories of last year’s 36 Pit Fire, which
was reported by news media as having been caused by target shooters firing into
a rock pit. The fire burned 5,500 acres and cost millions of dollars to contain.
“Our fire danger is at record levels for this time of year,”
the Forest Grove District Forester said. “These are conditions we normally see
in August.”
The parched forest vegetation is primed to burn from any
ignition source, whether a bullet-caused spark, untended campfire, discarded
cigarette, or the hot exhaust system of a vehicle idling
over dry grass.
Forest managers are reaching out to all forest users,
including target shooters, to reduce human-caused fires during this period of
extreme fire danger. One option is more public education to raise awareness of
the potential for shooting-caused fires when forest fuels are so dry.
He said another approach being considered is tightening
restrictions on shooting by either shutting
the activity down at 1 p.m. or prohibiting it entirely until fire danger
subsides.
“We would like to find a
solution that supports landowner activities and the recreating public, while
also maintaining forest resources and property,” he said.
In the near term, he asked
the recreational shooting public be to
particularly careful heading into the extreme heat of the weekend.
Bullets are extremely hot on
impact, he said, and fragments of bullets falling on vegetation were likely the
cause of the recent fires in the district.
To reduce the risk of fire,
he advised target shooters only to shoot into a backstop of mineral soil, and
to have the required fire extinguisher (or shovel and water) ready at hand.
After shooting, be sure to check the target area for any signs of fire.
June 25, 2015
Campfires,
Smoking, Firewood Cutting, Off-road Vehicles Affected
Beginning Friday, June 26, 2015, at 12:01 AM, all
private, county, and state wildlands protected by the Klamath-Lake District,
Oregon Department of Forestry [ODF], including BLM lands west of HWY. 97 as well as those
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands west of the Gerber Reservoir Area in
Klamath County, along with Walker Range Forest Patrol Association will be
placed under a PUBLIC REGULATED USE CLOSURE.
With the progression of summer conditions
and continued drying of forest fuels, local fire danger levels have reached
“HIGH.”
Fires starting in these conditions have the potential for rapid
fire spread and major damage. The Regulated Use Restrictions being placed in
effect by fire officials will dramatically reduce the chance of an accidental
fire start.
Under the Public Regulated Use Closure:
Smoking in wildland areas is permitted only in enclosed vehicles
on roads.
Camping, cooking or warming fires will be prohibited, except in the
following designated locations:
KLAMATH COUNTY: Topsy Campground (BLM), Surveyor Campground (BLM), Collier
State Park, Kimball State Park, Hagelstein Park (county) and posted sites in
the Klamath River Canyon.
LAKE COUNTY: Gooselake State Park.
Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted at all
other locations.
Off road driving and motorized vehicles on un-improved roads is
prohibited.
Use of fireworks is prohibited.
“Fireworks”
means any combustible or explosive device or any other article which was
prepared for the purpose of providing a visible or audible effect by
combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including firecrackers,
fountains, skyrockets, snakes and sparklers.
P Possession of a
full size axe, shovel and a 2 ½ lb. fire extinguisher or filled gallon water
container is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on state
and county roads.
Debris Burning, which was banned June 5th
in Klamath and Lake Counties when Klamath-Lake District of the Oregon
Department of Forestry and Walker Range Patrol Association declared fire
season, remains in effect.
In addition, the following activities will be prohibited between the
hours of 1:00 to 8:00 PM:
Non-Industrial Chain saw use.
Cutting, grinding and welding of metal on forested lands.
The above
regulations expand those already in effect in the Klamath River Canyon since June 5th. The “Fire Season
in effect” declaration on June 5th put into place regulations
restricting debris burning and timber harvest operations. Wildland and
structural fire protection agencies in Klamath County have agreed to prohibit
all outdoor debris burning.
Forest operations that require a Permit
to operate power driven machinery now are required to have fire tools,
on-site water supply, and watchman service on privately owned forest
land. Declaring the “Fire Season” also prohibits the release of
sky lanterns, the discharge of exploding targets or the discharge of tracer
ammunition during this period.
Klamath-Lake
District Web Page:
[http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/pages/field/kl/aboutklamathlake.aspx]
Southwest Oregon District of the Oregon
Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Contact 541-684-3328 for current SWO information.
Fremont – Winema National Forests and Lakeview District BLM – contact 541-883-6715 or 541-947-2151.
June 24, 2015
High temperatures and threat of lightning forecasted
June 24, 2015
Contact: Tom Fields
Oregon Department of Forestry
(503) 945-7440 or (503) 983-8897
Fire managers throughout Oregon are feeling the heat.
Continued hot, dry weather is plaguing the region that could lead to a
significant fire from a single spark.
“I’m sure everyone is aware of the heat wave that is
predicted over the next several days,” says Oregon Department of Forestry Fire
Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “While we’re all looking for ways to stay
cool, now is not the time to be careless with activities that could lead to a
wildfire.”
Fire season is now in effect throughout Oregon and much of
the state is experiencing fire danger conditions normally seen in late July and
August. ODF Meteorologists are predicting record warm weather across Oregon
later this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 95-105 °F range
by Friday and continuing through the weekend. In addition, southerly flow
aloft will bring an increasing risk of dry thunderstorms, on both sides of the
Cascades, beginning in southern Oregon on Friday and spreading north across the
state this weekend. With forests already at mid-August dryness levels,
the impending hot spell and dry lightning poses a significant fire weather
threat. While wildland fire agencies gear up for natural-caused wildfires, the
last thing anyone wants is careless human-caused fires.
“The conditions are driving the story. So far, we’re seeing
above normal numbers of human-caused fires.” Fields says even activities not
normally linked to fire starts are causing concern. “We have had three fires
related to target shooting just in the last week. One of those fires burned 67
acres and cost over $80,000 to put out. These fires, and the fact that we have
already had 80-plus human-caused fires above the average for this time of year
is an indication that we need everyone to think twice before conducting any
spark emitting activity.”
So far in 2015 the Oregon Department of Forestry has
suppressed 301 fires in 2015, 227 of which were started by people. The two
leading causes are debris burning and campfires. Many parts of the state have
imposed public fire restrictions on outdoor debris burning, campfires, off road
driving, fireworks, the use of tracer ammunition and exploding targets to name
a few. Log on to www.oregon.gov/odf for
fire restrictions in your area or call your local Oregon Department of Forestry
office or fire department.
###
June 23, 2015
The Douglas Forest Protective Association will
increase the fire danger to “high” for the entire Douglas District effective
Wednesday, June 24th. The change in fire danger is a result of
dry forest fuels and the projected hot, dry weather.
Fire officials are also reminding everyone that both
public and industrial fire restrictions are increasing over the next couple
days.
On June 24th, public use restrictions, known as a
Regulated Use Closure, goes into effect for all DFPA protected land. On
June 25th, DFPA will move into Industrial Fire Precaution Level II
(IFPL 2) for zones DG-1, DG-2, UA-1, and UA-2.
For more information about public or industrial fire
restrictions, visit www.dfpa.net
or call DFPA’s 24 hour fire information line at 541-672-0379. For all
other business, contact DFPA at 541-672-6507.
###
June 23, 2015
Increased fire danger on forestlands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association and Umpqua National Forest has made it necessary to increase the fire prevention measures on industrial operations.
Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (two) takes effect at 12:01 am, Thursday, June 25, on all private, county, state, and federal lands protected by DFPA and the Umpqua National Forest.
IFPL II, or “partial hootowl”, prohibits blasting, welding, and cable yarding from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The use of power saws is also prohibited between these hours, except at loading sites. A fire watch of two hours is also required when work has completed for the day.
To stay current on wildland restrictions for the public and industry, call DFPA’s closure information line at 672-0379 or visit its web site at www.dfpa.net.
For fire information pertaining to the Umpqua National Forest, call (541) 672-6601, and for IFPL information on the national forest call (541) 957-3325 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua.
June 19, 2015
Due to the heightened fire
danger, the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) will impose public use
restrictions, also known as a “Regulated-Use Closure,” effective 12:01 a.m.
Wednesday, June 24. The Regulated-Use Closure will be in
effect for all private, county, state and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by DFPA. The Industrial Fire Precaution level (IFPL) will remain at IFPL 1.
While the Regulated-Use Closure doesn’t prohibit public
access to the forest, it does restrict certain fire-prone activities. The following provisions are set to help prevent
wildfires:
Smoking is prohibited while traveling through wildland
areas, except in enclosed vehicles on improved roads.
Open fires are prohibited, including campfires,
charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at designated
campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled
fuels are allowed. DFPA-designated campgrounds include:
·
BLM campgrounds: Cavitt Creek,
Eagle View, Lone Pine, Millpond, Rock Creek, Susan Creek and Tyee.
·
Douglas County Parks Campgrounds: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek, Stanton Park, Chief
Miwaleta and Whistler’s Bend.
Chainsaw use is prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00
p.m. in areas subject to Industrial Fire Precaution Levels 1 and 2.
Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours if the following firefighting
equipment is present with each operating saw: one shovel and one
operational 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch
is required for at least one hour following the use of each saw.
Chainsaw use is prohibited in areas subject to
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels 3 and 4.
The use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and
ATV’s, are prohibited, except on improved roads or for the commercial
culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Possession of the following firefighting equipment is
required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and
state highways, county roads, and driveways: one shovel and one
gallon of water or one fully charged and operational 2.5 pound or larger
ABC fire extinguisher. ATV’s and motorcycles must be equipped with
one operational 2.5 pound or larger ABC type fire extinguisher.
The use of fireworks is
prohibited.
The cutting, grinding
and welding of metal in wildland areas is prohibited between 12 p.m.
and 8 p.m. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is permitted at
all other hours, if conducted in a cleared area and with a water supply
present.
The mowing of dried and
cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours
of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest
of agricultural crops.
Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1)
Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by
the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) operated in
compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
In addition, the following
activities are prohibited under ORS 477.512 during a declared fire season:
- The use of exploding targets
- The use of sky lanterns
- The use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a
pyrotechnic charge in its base.
In addition to DFPA’s Regulated-Use Closures, private
industrial landowners have the ability to add additional restrictions or
complete closures to their land holdings throughout the summer due to the fire
danger. Recreational forest users are advised to check with the
landowners for the locations they plan to recreate
on, before they head to the woods.
As of June 19, DFPA has suppressed 43 fires
which have burned 248 acres. The number of fires and acres burned are up
from the current 10-year average (January 1 – June 19),
which is 14 fires burning 47 acres.
For more information about public or industrial fire
restrictions on DFPA protected land, call the 24-hr fire information line at
541-672-0379 or visit www.dfpa.net
News contact:
Kyle Reed
Fire Prevention
Specialist
Douglas Forest
Protective Association
Office: (541)
672-6507 ext. 136
June 19, 2015
Though forest conditions are extremely dry across the state,
wildfire activity on the 16 million acres of private and public lands protected
by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry has been relatively moderate. Considerable
credit goes to the Oregon public for exercising fire safety awareness in the
forest. Nature has contributed, too, with lightning occurring
during the week but not burning large acreage.
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
Sunset Grade Fire – The 67-acre fire, reported June 13, burned on the Tillamook
State Forest. ODF, assisted by the Forest Grove and Banks Fire departments,
contained the fire the next morning. Cause is under investigation.
Powder House Canyon Fire – The 33-acre fire was reported June 15 burning in the
Central Oregon District – John Day Unit. ODF resources currently at the fire
include: two fire engines, two hand crews, one water tender, and one bulldozer
on standby. The fire is 90 percent contained and in mop-up. Cause is under
investigation.
FIRES ON OTHER LANDS
Buckskin Fire – This 2,635-acre fire reported June 11 is burning 10 miles SW of
Cave Junction in southwestern Oregon on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National
Forest, in an area previously burned in the 2002 Biscuit Fire. The fire is
currently six percent contained. The cause is lightning. More information is
available at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4286/
Little Basin Fire – This 630-acre fire reported June 15 is burning 10 miles
north of Imnaha in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The fire is
currently 85 percent contained. Cause is under investigation. More information
is available at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4290/
.
June 18, 2015
June 17, 2015
Contact:
Mike Cafferata
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
503-359-7430
Mike.j.cafferata@oregon.gov
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will tighten fire prevention
rules starting June 19 in northwestern Oregon, including the Tillamook and
Clatsop State Forests, and private lands in the Northwest Oregon Forest
Protective Association.
“In order to keep communities
safe and avoid wildfire risk, we’ll begin restrictions on public use of the
forest on Friday. These restrictions ban fireworks, exploding targets,
campfires outside of designated locations, and other fire-prone activities,”
said Mike Cafferata, ODF District Forester. “These restrictions respond to the extremely
dry conditions we’re experiencing and to the Sunset Grade Fire, which we
believe was started by one of these activities last weekend.”
The following restrictions on activities in the forest will apply
starting June 19:
-
Open fires are prohibited, including campfires,
charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated
locations. Use of wood-burning devices, used in conjunction with temporary
dwellings, including tents and trailers, is prohibited. Portable cooking stoves
using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
-
Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and
all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and designated
areas.
-
Possession of the following firefighting
equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads
and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one operational 2-½ pound
or larger fire extinguisher.
In addition, the following items are banned throughout the wildfire season as well as during the current period of tightened safety restrictions: Use of exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns is prohibited.
Contact the Tillamook, Astoria or Forest Grove district offices
for more information about the fire prevention rules. Contact information
available at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/pages/offices.aspx
