With triple-digit temperatures and dry fuels, the City of Grants Pass has followed the Oregon Department of Forestry in declaring extreme fire danger.
The primary difference between high fire danger and extreme fire danger affects the public use of power-driven equipment such as chainsaws and mowers.
As of 12:01 a.m. today, the use of power-driven equipment, grinding and cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment -- such as wood-splitters and generators -- is prohibited in areas of flammable vegetation. The mowing of dry, cured grass with power machinery may not take place at any time. Mowing of green lawns is still allowed.
Open wood-fueled fires -- including campfires, cooking fires and warming fires --inside the city limits are prohibited, except at locations designated by the Grants Pass Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane- and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed.
Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, in a boat on the water or in a cleared area within a campsite.
The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may -- in writing -- approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. For more information on fire season regulations, call the Grants Pass Fire Prevention Bureau at (541)-450-6200.
