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FIRE SEASON NOT OVER YET…STAY TUNED 

Disturbing numbers for the 2007 fire season have fire managers’ concerned heading into the three day holiday weekend.  Statewide, human caused fires are 25 percent higher than the 10 year average.  Coos Forest Protective Association has suppressed 40 fires this summer that have burned 146 acres.

Fire managers believe that the mild summer conditions have actually contributed to the high number of fires.  “As a society, we tend to let our guard down a bit and develop a false sense of security,” says CFPA Public Information Officer Tom Fields.  “People also tend to spend more time outdoors during cooler conditions.  When you combine these two factors, you’re bound to get more careless fires.  Everyone needs to remember that it’s still dry out there and that the slightest spark from a lawn mower, ATV, cigarette, illegal campfire or debris burn pile will most likely cause a wildfire.”

Fire restrictions currently in place under CFPA’s protection include a Regulated Use Closure for the general public, Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2 in zones CS-5 and SK-2, and IFPL 1 in zones CS-1, CS-4 and SK-1.  Operators should check their logging notification permits to determine what zone they are working in.  IFPL 1 requires operators to have fire prevention requirements in place.  IFPL 2 prohibits blasting, welding, and cable yarding from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The use of power saws is also prohibited during these hours, except at loading sites.  A firewatch of two hours is also required. 

The Regulated Use Closure prohibits smoking, off-road driving, and open fires in wildland areas.  Campfires are only allowed in designated areas such as state parks and approved campgrounds. 

For a complete list of Industrial and Public Use restrictions, visit CFPA’s web site at www.coosfpa.net or call the Association’s information line at (541) 267-1789.