Danger levels rise for industrial and commercial operations on ODF Protected Lands
ROGUE VALLEY, ORE. – 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. Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) III (3) takes effect at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, August 15th.
The following may operate during the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. daily:
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- Power saws at loading sites
- Loading or hauling of any product or material
- Blasting
- Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal
- Any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned
Conditionally, the following may operate from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily, when mechanized equipment capable of constructing fire line is immediately available to reach and effectively attack a fire start:
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- Ground-based operations (tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations)
- Power saws on ground-based operations
- Rotary head saw feller-bunchers with a continuous Firewatch
- Non-rotary head saw feller-bunchers
- Tethered logging – winch-assisted, cable-assisted, traction-assisted, etc. systems, which enable ground-based timber harvesting machines to operate on steep slopes
The following is prohibited at all times, except as indicated:
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- Cable yarding systems (prohibited)
- Exception: gravity operated logging systems using non-motorized carriages, or approved motorized carriages, may operate between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., if all blocks and moving lines are suspended at least 10 feet above the ground (excluding: the line(s) between the carriage and the chokers during rigging).
- Cable yarding systems (prohibited)
For the general public, ODF Southwest’s fire restrictions remain in effect and unchanged with a fire danger level of “extreme” (red). For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s public or industrial fire season restrictions, visit our Facebook page: ODF Southwest Oregon District, or our website www.swofire.com.