ODF release – PRINEVILLE, Ore. – All lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District are now in Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 3 in MH-1 (portions of Hood River and Wasco counties). With continued high temperatures, winds and drying fuels, the district is issuing public restrictions and regulated use closures in recognition of the increasing fire danger in order to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. The Central Oregon District restricts the following activities: Use of fireworks and blasting is prohibited. No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels. Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas. Propane fire pits and camp stoves are allowed but require one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher on site. Chainsaw use and mowing of dried grass is prohibited, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. One hour fire watch required. No smoking while traveling through or working in any operation area. Restricted Shutdown: The following activities are not permitted at any time, except as noted: Cable yarding systems, except that gravity operated logging systems using non-motorized carriages or approved motorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m., when all blocks and moving lines are suspended at least 10 feet above the ground (except the line between the carriage and the chokers). An approved motorized carriage is defined as a cable yarding system employing a motorized carriage with two fire extinguishers, each with at least a 2A:10 BC rating, mounted securely on opposite sides of the carriage, an emergency motor cutoff, and an approved exhaust system. In addition to the fire prevention requirements Under IFPL III (three), the following activities are not permitted between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., except as noted: Power saws may operate at loading sites; Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws; Cable yarding; Blasting; Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal; Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks. Check the full list of restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx. For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. The less human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org.
