Restrictions for Industrial Operations Increase With Rise in Wildfire Risk
[THE DALLES, Ore.] Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Hood River and Wasco counties (MH-1 and MH-4) will increase June 23, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. Fire behavior in recent days combined with the forecast of hot, dry weather has prompted fire managers to implement further restrictions to reduce the potential of wildfire ignition from forest operations.
IFPL 3 will be in effect for MH-1, these lands are located east of Oregon Highway 35 in Hood River and Wasco counties. IFPL 3 impacts cable yarding operations as well as restricts operation of power saws, (except power saws may operate at loading sites), feller-bunchers with rotary head saws, cable yarding, blasting, and the welding, cutting, or grinding of metal between the hours of 1 p.m and 8 p.m.
During IFPL the following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. where mechanized equipment capable of constructing fire line is immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start: Ground-based operations (tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations); Power saws on ground-based operations; Rotary head saw feller-bunchers with a continuous Firewatch; Non-rotary head saw feller-bunchers; Tethered logging – winch-assisted, cable-assisted, traction-assisted, etc. systems, which enable ground-based timber harvesting machines to operate on steep slopes.
Lands in MH-4, located west of Oregon Highway 35 in Hood River County will be in IFPL 2. IFPL 2 restricts the use of power saws, (except power saws may operate at loading sites), feller-bunchers with rotary head saws, cable yarding, blasting, and the welding, cutting, or grinding of metal between the hours of 1 p.m and 8 p.m.
More information regarding fire season requirements for industrial operations is available at https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/ifpl.html, or contact The Dalles Office at 541-296-4626.
On June 24, 2021, a regulated-use closure will go into effect for activities such as mowing of dry grass, chainsaw use, and open fire restrictions. The closure will also require those traveling on forest roads to carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher (or one gallon of water). Visit www.odfcentraloregon.com for full details. The public is asked to be cautious of any actions which could cause a wildfire.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.