ODF release – Eugene, Ore. –Fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Western Lane District and South Cascade District will increase to “high” (yellow) Saturday, August 6 at 12:01 a.m. This escalation comes on the heel of recent lightning strikes that caused numerous fires across the Cascades in portions of Lane, Douglas, Deschutes and Klamath counties. With high temperatures and low relative humidity forecasted, the districts are implementing these public restrictions to reduce the risk of human-caused fires as we enter the heart of fire season. The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Saturday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws, mowers, weed eaters, motor vehicle use around fuels, and more. Other fire prevention regulations that are effect, include: No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels; No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands; Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations; Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited; Campfires are allowed only in designated sites approved by the forester. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations, with landowner approval. Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may not be used on un-improved roads or off-road between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. The use of motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is allowed at all times on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. Chain saws may not be used between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use. Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available. The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public restrictions, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.
