The
Oregon Department of Forestry, announces that effective at 01:00 am, Friday,
September 30, 2016, the Regulated Use Closure will be terminated in the
Northwest Oregon Forest Protection District. This area includes
all State, private and BLM forest lands, included in the Astoria, Tillamook and
Forest Grove Districts of the Oregon Department of Forestry.
When
Regulated Use is officially terminated the public no longer has fire
restrictions on smoking, campfires, chainsaws and motorized vehicle use.
However, everyone still needs to think about fire prevention all year
round. For example, do not discard burning materials, such as cigarettes,
and always ensure campfires are cold before leaving.
***Fire Season is still in effect***
For Forest Operators,
they must have required fire equipment at the site of their operation, and are
reminded to inspect their fire equipment to ensure it is ready and can pass
inspection. Forest Operators must also provide fire watch on each
operation after equipment is shut down at the end of operations each day.
Operators can refer to the Fire Watch Waiver in effect for IFPL fire watch
requirements.
Fire
season rules also prohibit smoking while in or traveling through any
"operation area", and prohibit the use of fuse and caps for blasting
on forest land. Zones NW-1, NW-2, and
NW-3 IFPL levels and changes may be obtained by calling your local ODF office
or at our website:
For the General Public, burning permits are
required for open pile burning and burn barrels. For residents that live
within a City Fire Department District or Rural Fire Protection District,
they will need to contact their local Fire Department for burning and
burn permit requirements.
It is also a good reminder that fire can be a hazard at
any time of year if steps are not taken to use fire safely. Whenever you
use fire, whether for debris burning or enjoying a campfire, use these steps to
prevent your fire from turning into the next wildfire.
§ Never
leave your fire unattended.
§ When
burning debris, always have a hose and shovel at the fire to prevent the fire
from spreading.
§ Check
with your local fire protection agency prior to burning. (Most Rural Fire
Protection Districts require a burn permit year round.)
§ If
camping, ensure your campfire is in a designated area.
§ Always
make sure your campfire is out cold before leaving.
§ On
the beach, keep your campfire far from beach grass and drift wood piles.
Once
the proclamation is processed you can find it and other Restrictions &
Closures information on our website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx
Northwest
Oregon Forest Protection District:
Astoria
District, 503-325-5451
Forest
Grove District, 503-357-2191
Columbia
City Unit, 503-397-2636
Tillamook
District, 503-842-2545
