NRFPD News
2010 Fire Season Starts
Fire Season will officially begin on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 01:00 a.m . This will affect all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in the Northwest Oregon region. This area includes all State, private and BLM forest land in the Tillamook, Astoria, and Forest Grove Districts, which consists of Tillamook, Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, Columbia, and Multnomah Counties, as well as portions of Lincoln County.
With Fire Season in effect, Forest Operators must have required fire equipment at the site of their operation, and are reminded to inspect their fire equipment to ensure it is ready and can pass inspection. Forest Operators must also provide fire watch on each operation after equipment is shut down at the end of operations each day (see attached waiver). Fire season rules also prohibit smoking while in or traveling through any "operation area", and prohibit the use of fuse and caps for blasting on forest land. **Fire Weather Zones NW-1, NW-2, NW-3 will start out at Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1, effective July 8, 2010. IFPL changes and fire season information may be obtained by calling 503-842-2548, (answered during business hours, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and a recording message after 5:00 pm and on weekends).
For the General Public, burning permits are required for open pile burning and burn barrels. For residents that live within a City Fire Department District or Rural Fire Protection District, they will need to contact their local Fire Department for burn permit requirements. Permits for South Tillamook county may be obtained from the Nestucca RFPD on this website or in person at the Pacific City station. Please call 503-392-3313 for more informatin.
In the remainder of Tillamook County, the Oregon Department of Forestry issues burning permits for open pile burning and burn barrels. Effective July 15th , there will be a county wide ban on open pile burning and no permits will be issued after July 14th for open pile burning. Burn barrel permits may be obtained until July 31, 2009. Effective August 1st , all burning will be banned for all of Tillamook County. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and complete all burning prior to the ban.
There is no fee for the burn permit, but an on-site inspection with the landowner is performed prior to issuing a permit. Information about burning permits and how to obtain a permit is available by calling the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-815-7056 (24 hr line), or you may contact your local fire department.
It is also a good reminder that fire can be a hazard at anytime of year if steps are not taken to use fire safely. Whenever you use fire, whether for debris burning or enjoying a campfire, use these steps to prevent your fire from turning into the next wildfire.
- Never leave your fire unattended.
- When burning debris, always have a hose and shovel at the fire to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Check with your local fire protection agency prior to burning. (Most Rural Fire Protection Districts require a burn permit year round.)
- If camping, ensure your campfire is in a designated area.
- Always make sure your campfire is out cold before leaving.
- On the beach, keep your campfire far from beach grass and drift wood piles.
Forest users may obtain information about state forest lands and industrial fire restrictions in our area and public fire restrictions by calling the Tillamook District public information line at 503-842-2548. For other information call the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-842-2545, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.