June 18, 2009

Fire season restrictions take effect

     Two fire protection agencies announced the start of fire season, in some cases meaning bans on outdoor debris burning.
     Land protected by the Oregon Forestry Department entered fire season today, Burning permits are required for incinerators and any open burning on lands protected by Oregon Forestry in Hood River and Wasco counties. All industrial operations on forest land are required to have fire equipment on site. To request burning permits for ODF protect areas call 295-4626 in The Dalles, (541) 352-6303 at Mt. Hood or (541) 544-2142 at White River.
     Entry into annual fire season imposes certain restrictions on activities in the forest; restrictions may vary from district to district. Typical restrictions include: forestland burning permits being required, extra fire safety precautions required on forest operations, and requiring backyard debris burning permits. Check with the nearest ODF office for restrictions specific to the local area.
     Additional information is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry web site, www.oregon.gov/ODF or by calling ODF’s The Dalles Unit Office at (541) 296-4626.

July 1 closure
     As of July 1, Mid-Columbia-area fire agencies call a halt to all debris burning, including incinerator use, until fire danger lessens. All burn permits will be void as of July 1 and won’t be valid again until the ban is lifted.
     As conditions warrant, restrictions will be put in place for campfires, barbecues, chainsaw use, off-road vehicle use and smoking in timber, brush and grass areas. Contact your local fire agency for details.
     The fire protection agencies urge people to be very careful with anything that could start a fire around home, town or in rural areas.
     Even though cool, damp weather has delayed severe fire danger, the current warm weather is drying things out rapidly.