Update: Industrial Fire Precaution Level Increasing to Three, Partial Shutdown

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership is increasing Industrial Fire Precaution Levels from II to III for all Fremont-Winema National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Lakeview District, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex lands effective Friday, July 20.

The decision to transition to IFPL III was made based on current temperatures, relative humidity, fuel moisture levels and projected worsening conditions over the coming weeks.

For public safety, under IFPL III, the following are prohibited, except as indicated:

Ø  Cable yarding- except gravity operated logging systems employing non-motorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. when all blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above ground except the line between the carriage and the chockers.

Ø  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:

Ø  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.

Ø  Mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material.

Ø  Blasting.

Ø  Welding or cutting of metal.

Ø  Any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

It is the responsibility of all individuals on public lands to know and comply with the IFPLs and all restrictions that are in place. Failure to comply with fire precautionary requirements may result in the issuance of a violation notice.

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Information on the IFPL or current restrictions may be obtained here: https://www.scofmp.org/ifpls.shtml.

Community safety and that of our firefighters is the number one priority for all SCOFMP employees.

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