IFPL III Starts Tomorrow on All SW Oregon Forestlands Extremely dry forests and a recent outbreak of forest fires in southwest Oregon forestlands is driving the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) up tomorrow. Restrictions under IFPL III (three) take effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, and apply to state, private, county, Bureau of Land Management and Rogue Ricer-Siskiyou National Forest forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The IFPL III restrictions apply to all contractors and permit holders, including those with permits to cut firewood for personal use. Under IFPL III: Cable yarding is not allowed. However, gravity operated-logging systems employing non-motorized carriages may operate until 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m. These systems must have all blocks and moving lines suspended 10 feet above the ground, except the line between the carriage and the chokers. Power saw use is not allowed. However, power saws may be used until 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m. at loading sites and on tractor or skidder operations. In addition, the following equipment and operations must shut down between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.: 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 spark-emitting not specifically mentioned above For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, contact the unit office in your area: Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. Phone: (541) 664-3328 Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass. Phone: (541) 474-3152 Many private forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties are closed to public access due to the fire danger. Click here for more information aboutprivate land closures. Personal and commercial woodcutters 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 fire precautionary requirements may result in the issuance of a Violation Notice. For current information on IFPL levels, visit the Medford Interagency Communications Center website at ormic.org/fire_danger.shtml.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 22:29:56 +0000