FIRE SEASON OFFICIALLY OVER

The Coos Forest Protective Association will officially end fire season on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. Industrial fire precaution restrictions will no longer be in effect and most outdoor debris burning will be allowed without a permit outside incorporated cities in Coos, Curry and western Douglas County.

CFPA fire managers advise residents to exercise caution when burning. This time of year, several days of sunshine and dry weather can create a fire risk even if a week or more of rainy, cool conditions precedes them. Landowners should keep in mind they are still responsible for their burning activity. The only types of burning requiring a permit are logging slash and DEQ regulated burning. To request a burn permit for slash disposal or if you have other general questions regarding debris burning, call your nearest CFPA office. For information about fire safety, access CFPA’s website at www.coosfpa.net.

The Coos Forest Protective Association wishes to thank the landowners, general public and rural fire departments for their cooperation in helping us make this a very successful fire season.

Coos Forest Protective Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2011

FIRE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 29th

Burning Permits Now Required

The Coos Forest Protective Association announced today that fire season will officially begin at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 29th. The start of fire season activates restrictions on both public and industrial forest use on all private, county, state and Bureau of Land Management lands as well as rural fire districts within CFPA’s protection boundaries.

The start of fire season means the end of unregulated outside burning for rural Coos, Curry and western Douglas County residents. Written permits and on-site inspections will be required for all types of outside burning, including debris burning and the use of burn barrels. Permits are free of charge and may be obtained as follows:

Residents living in rural areas can call CFPA offices during normal business hours, seven days a week, at one of the following numbers: Coos Bay, 267-3161; Reedsport, 271-2224; Gold Beach, 247-6241; Brookings, 469-2302; Bandon and Port Orford, 347-3400; Bridge and Powers, 572-2796. A Fire Warden will come to the burn site to perform the inspection and write the permit.

County residents within an incorporated city should call their local departments for burning restriction and permit details.

Industrial fire regulations will also go into effect. Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 1 prohibits smoking while working on or traveling through an industrial operation. Specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be maintained at all operations. A fire watch is also required at all industrial operation sites unless waived or modified in writing by a Fire Warden.

Anyone cutting firewood must have an 8-oz. fire extinguisher and a shovel. Power saws must be equipped with an approved screen.

As fire season progresses, additional closures and restrictions may be imposed as weather conditions become more severe.

For further information on burning restrictions and closures, contact the CFPA Closure Information Line at (541) 267-1789 or visit their website at www.coosfpa.net.

Coos Forest Protective Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2011

PUBLIC FIRE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED

Outdoor Burning Suspended

Due to heightened fire danger, the Coos Forest Protective Association is setting limitations on public activities in the forests. Effective Friday, August 12th, CFPA will impose a Regulated Use Closure for the general public on all private, county, state and BLM lands in Coos, Curry, and western Douglas counties.

The following is a complete list of restrictions within the Regulated Use Closure:

1. Smoking is prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles or buildings.

2. Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

3. Power saw use is prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. When permitted, each saw must have one axe, one shovel and one operational fire extinguisher that is of at least 8 ounce capacity. In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour following the use of each saw.

4. Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all terrain vehicles, are only permitted on improved roads free of grass and other flammable debris. All motor vehicles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, one axe, and one shovel, except when traveling on state and county roads.

5. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except when traveling on state and county roads.

6. Use of fireworks and exploding targets is prohibited.

7. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is permitted at all other hours, if conducted in a cleared area and if a water supply is present.

8. Mowing of dry, cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

9. Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed be a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions

BURN BAN IN EFFECT

In addition to the restrictions above, on Monday, August 1, 2011, outdoor debris burning in incinerators and debris piles was suspended. Residents with current burn permits for debris piles and incinerators must wait until fire danger drops before conducting any and all types of burning.

To stay current on wildland restrictions for the public and industry, call CFPA’s closure information line at (541) 267-1789 or visit its web site at www.coosfpa.net.