Fire Restrictions Increase within CFPA, Aug. 20

Current fire danger and fire activity has prompted the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) to impose tighter restrictions for workers on lands protected by CFPA. An Industrial Fire Precaution Level IV (IFPL 4) will take effect on all private, county, state and Bureau of Land Management lands that fall within Regulated Use Areas CS-2 and SK-1 on Thursday, August 20, 2015. Under IFPL 4, or Complete Shutdown, no activities are permitted at any time, except those for which a current and valid waiver has been issued. The Regulated Use Closure (Public Use Restriction) will remain in place, which includes: Use of non-industrial chainsaws is now prohibited. Campfires will be allowed at hosted campsites on State Parks, BLM, County Parks and KOA Campgrounds. Any of these parks can deny any campfire use and all campgrounds must have a camp host. All other campfires are not allowed. In addition to the Level IV (IFPL 4) closure, Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) will impose an Industrial Fire Precaution Level III (IFPL 3) that will take effect in Regulated Use Area CS-1 on Thursday, August 20, 2015. Under IFPL 3, industrial operators are prohibited in performing the following: • Cable yarding – except that gravity operated logging systems with non-motorized carriages may operate before 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 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. and after 8 p.m. local time; In addition, the following are permitted before 1 p.m. and after 8 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. The Regulated Use Closure (Public Use Restriction) will remain in place, which includes: Use of non-industrial chainsaws is now prohibited. Campfires will be allowed at hosted campsites on State Parks, BLM, County Parks and KOA Campgrounds. Any of these parks can deny any campfire use and all campgrounds must have a camp host. All other campfires are not allowed. For further information on fire danger levels and closures, contact the CFPA 24-hour closure information line at (541) 267-1789 or access CFPA’s website at www.coosfpa.net.