6/11/2024
Dallas, OR. – Official Release: As the weather improves and you prepare for fun summer activities by doing yard work, many outside fires in Oregon are caused by sparks from power equipment use or improper debris burning. Lawnmowers and chainsaws are a few examples of equipment that can cause a wildfire when sparks ignite vegetation such as grass, weeds, or bark dust. In our area, backyard burning is allocated to two seasons: Spring, from March 1 to June 15, and Fall, from October 1 to December 15.
Have you prepared a defensible space around your home by clearing away debris and flammable materials? These tips will help you prevent escaped fires when maintaining your landscape and protecting your home from wildfire. Equipment Use Safety Information Make sure all power equipment has an approved spark arrestor. Use power equipment in the early morning when the humidity is higher and temperatures are lower. Remove any rocks or other objects that might be hit with the mower blade and cause a spark.
What is defensible space? It’s the area created between your home and the grass, trees, shrubs, or wildland area surrounding it. Why is defensible space important? Well-maintained space can: give your home an increased chance of surviving a wildfire, even if firefights cannot reach your home. Increase the life safety of people during a wildfire. And allows for efficient evacuations. How are homes lost during a wildfire? Embers are the leading cause of home loss during a wildfire. They can travel up to three miles ahead of the main flame front. https://www.dallasor.gov/ P. 8DALLAS FIRE & EMS JUNE 2024 Backyard Burning Alternatives Recycle paper products when possible Dispose of waste at a landfill Compost yard debris and kitchen scraps Reuse old lumber Buy or rent a chipper to create mulch and compost.
Work with neighbors to organize a neighborhood cleanup day Take hazardous materials, including oil-based paints, solvents, garden chemicals, and car fluids to a hazardous waste collection site. Burning these materials is illegal and extremely dangerous.
This Fourth of July be safe and avoid common injuries. If not used properly, fireworks could land you in the emergency department. Children under 15 make up 36% of estimated firework-related injuries. If using them for your celebration, be prepared, be responsible, be safe and be aware. For assistance in disposing of your leftover or unwanted fireworks, call your local law enforcement via their non-emergency number or the Oregon State Police non-emergency number at 1-800-452-7888. Safety Tips: Be aware and know the conditions where you live before using fireworks. Only use legal fireworks. Light fireworks one at a time, never relight fireworks, Spent fireworks should always be soaked in water. Have water on hand. Dispose of fireworks properly and never relight a dud. https://www.dallasor.gov/ P. 9JUNE 2024 DALLAS FIRE & EMS Fireworks (Cont.) Not sure which fireworks are legal or illegal in the state of Oregon?
Legal fireworks in the State of Oregon include but are not limited to, novelty devices, wheels, flitter sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, and ground spinners. The legal sale of retail fireworks in Oregon is from June 23rd to July 6th. Illegal fireworks include any firework that flies into the air explodes or behaves uncontrollably or unpredictably. Examples of but not limited to are: sky lanterns, missiles, rockets, firecrackers, cherry bombs, m-80s, Roman candles, and bottle rockets. Should you wish to report the firing of illegal pyrotechnic devices, please contact your local law enforcement via their non-emergency phone number.
When and where can I use fireworks? There is no regulation on when consumer-legal fireworks may be used. Please be courteous of your neighbors and friends. There are restrictions as to where fireworks can be used, such as beaches and federal lands. Always check with the local jurisdictions. What can happen if I’m caught using fireworks in prohibited areas? Under Oregon law, officials may seize fireworks, and you may be charged with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Some prohibited locations include Oregon State beaches, parks, campgrounds, and State and Federal forest lands.
Can I be held liable for damage and costs incurred in suppressing fires caused by fireworks used by myself or my child? Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage may be held liable and required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage.
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