Industrial Fire Precaution Level lowers to III in South Central Oregon but fire danger still extreme

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The following is a press release from the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) is moving to Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) III tomorrow [September 21, 2021].  Fire Danger remains “Extreme” and Public Use Restrictions and Regulated Use Closures are still in effect. 

An IFLP Level III is a Partial Shutdown on federal lands, specifically Forest Service and BLM.  Under IFPL III Partial Shutdown, the following are prohibited except as indicated:

  • Cable yarding – Except that gravity operated logging systems employing nonmotorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. When all blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above the ground except the line between the carriage and the chokers.

  • Power saws – except power saws may be used at loading sites and on tractor/skidder operations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time.

In addition, the following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:

  • Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations where tractors, skidders, or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start;

  • Mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material;

  • Blasting;

  • Welding or cutting of metal;

  • Any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

 

Commercial woodcutters and other members of industry are reminded of their responsibility to stay informed of current IFPLs and all restrictions that apply to activities conducted on public lands. Failure to comply with precautionary fire requirements may result in the issuance of a Violation Notice.

Despite recent rains, fuels are still extremely dry and can carry fire quickly.  Fire restrictions are still in place on federal, state and private wildlands in Klamath and Lake counties.  All open fires, campfires, and charcoal use are prohibited, restricting smoking to enclosed vehicles only, and prohibiting motor vehicle use except on designated roads and trails.

The public is responsible for ensuring that they have reviewed and are aware of the restrictions in place for the landscape they plan to recreate or work on. For all agencies, violation of these prohibitions could result in citations, fines, and even imprisonment, depending on the agency and order.

Fire managers are asking area residents and visitors to remain vigilant and continue to help prevent new wildfire starts by following the latest restrictions.

For more information on the ODF Public Regulated Use Closure, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx. For more information on the federal agency Public Use Restrictions and Fire Prevention Orders, please visit https://scofmp.org/restrictions.shtml.