Fire Danger Level Rises to HIGH
on Wednesday in City of Ashland:
Gas Powered Equipment Use Restrictions Increase
The fire danger level in the City of Ashland will increase to “HIGH” (yellow) on Wednesday, July 3rd at 12:01 a.m. The following fire prevention restrictions that will go into effect on Wednesday, until further notice, are the following:
- Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use;
- Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;
- The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
- Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.
- Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;
- Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels;
- No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands;
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;
- Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations;
- Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed;
The following public use restrictions remain in effect:
- Outdoor Debris Burning is Prohibited - The barbecues and fire rings in Lithia Park and raised outdoor wood burning appliances that meet the city requirements are permitted to be used at this time. These are prohibited during high and extreme fire danger.
- Fireworks and sky lanterns are always Prohibited - Throughout the year within the City of Ashland fireworks and sky lanterns are not allowed.
Find the most current restrictions at
www.ashland.or.us/fireseason or by contacting Ashland Fire & Rescue at 541.482-2770.
Ashland Fire & Rescue asks that all Ashland residents remember the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation levels. Be prepared for the possibility of evacuation at READY or Level 1. Be READY now by preparing an emergency and personal supplies kit, develop an evacuation plan, and become
Firewise by removing combustible plants and debris around your home and from the roof. Find more information about being READY at
ashland.or.us/evacuation.
Additional information can be obtained as follows:
- Check our website www.ashland.or.us/fireseason
- Ashland Firewise – www.ashlandfirewise.org
- Ashland Emergency Alerts – Sign up for Nixle for immediate community alerts and updates during emergencies like wildfires, evacuations, and smoke at ashland.or.us/nixle
- Emergency Broadcast Radio – 1700 AM – provides information on current emergencies affecting the citizens of Ashland. This low wattage broadcast can only be heard in Ashland.
Regional fire information can be found at the ODF website:
www.swofire.com
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