Fire Prevention Regulations Increase for Industrial Operations Tomorrow

Increased fire danger on forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has made it necessary to increase the fire prevention measures on industrial operations, such as logging sites and other commercial operations.
The industrial fire restrictions are separate from the general public. For the public, the “high” (yellow) fire danger level remains in place which was put into effect on June 30.
Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (two) takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12. This is considered a limited shutdown which includes the following restrictions:
• The use of fire in any form will be prohibited.
• The use of power saws will be prohibited, except at loading sites, between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• The use of a feller-buncher with rotary head saws will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• The use of cable yarders will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Blasting will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Welding, grinding or cutting of metal will be prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, commercial operators on forestlands are required to have fire suppression equipment on site and provide watchman service.
These regulations affect all state, county, private and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The regulated use zones affected by this proclamation include SW-1, SW-2, SW-3, SW-4, SK-3, RR-1, RR-2 and RR-3, and all forestland within one-eighth of a mile of these zones.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public and industrial restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152
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