Be prepared · Fire season
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels
Linda Bacon · July 28, 2015
Listed below are the Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, along with brief definitions of each. You can see today's level for any Oregon county on the Oregon Fire Restrictions Map.
Level I · Closed Season
Fire precaution requirements are in effect. A Fire Watch / Security is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.
Level II · Partial Hootowl
The following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:
- Power saws, except at loading sites
- Cable yarding
- Blasting
- Welding or cutting of metal
Level III · Partial Shutdown
The following are prohibited except as indicated:
- Cable yarding, except that gravity-operated logging systems employing nonmotorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. when all blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above the ground, except the line between the carriage and the chokers.
- 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 time:
- 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 other spark-emitting operation not specifically mentioned
Level IV · General Shutdown
All operations are prohibited.
Terms that apply to Industrial Fire Precaution Levels
- Loading sites: A place where any product or material (including, but not limited to logs, firewood, slash, soil, rock, poles, etc.) is placed in or upon a truck or other vehicle.
- Cable yarding systems: A yarding system employing cables, and winches in a fixed position.
- Low hazard area: Any area where the responsible agency representative (BIA, BLM, FWS, NPS, ODF, USFS, WDNR) determines the combination of elements reduces the probability of fire starting and/or spreading.
- Closed season (fire precautionary period): That season of the year when a fire hazard exists as declared by the responsible agency official.