Believe it or not, it’s going to stop raining. In most years, it stops raining as if a faucet were turned off.  If past years are any indication of the future, we might not see any measurable precipitation from July until September. The end of the rainy season signals the start of fire season and the start of industrial fire closures for forest workers as well as regulated use fire closures for the general public. Do you know where to find information on fire restrictions affecting activities on your property?  If you are in Coos or Curry Counties, access the Coos Forest Protective Association website: https://www.coosfpa.net/  Save this website as a favorite so you can view all the great resources including Today’s Fire Danger Levels. Then navigate to the Regulated Use Proclamations an the Public Use Restriction Chart that describes which activates are prohibited as fire danger increases. Go ahead and print this chart out for your bulletin board as a quick reference during fire season. The chart also provides timing restrictions and equipment requirements for regulated activities. For example, see when (and if) you can use a chainsaw for nonindustrial use during fire season, and what firefighting tools need to be carried with each saw. The Public Use Restriction Chart also provides specific details on regulations regarding operating motorized vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) during fires season. This is a great time to make sure that you have the required firefighting equipment if you plan to travel in forestlands. This includes one shovel, one axe or Pulaski, and one gallon of water or a 2.5lb or larger ABC fire extinguisher. In addition, do not forget to read the restrictions regarding mowing of dried or cured grass and cutting, grinding, and welding of metal as well as campfires. This is just a selection of restricted activities and requirements. It is a good idea to read up on the rules and understand how they relate to your activities.

Landowners engaged in industrial operations will need to refer to the Industrial Fire Closure Proclamations and associated legal requirements. Check out the nice summary of fire season requirements and links to the Oregon laws and Administrative Rules that establish the fire prevention and suppression requirements for operations. The CFPA website has contact numbers if you have any questions.

Have a safe fire season everyone!