Today, the Fire Danger Level changed from “Extreme” to “High.”
If your grass is green, feel free to mow it anytime. If your grass is dry, mow it before 10 AM or after 8 PM.
Using any type of power-driven equipment in dry vegetation is prohibited between 10 AM and 8 PM.
Generally, Grants Pass Fire Rescue follows the Fire Restrictions established by the Oregon Department of Forestry. ODF has a chart indicating what is allowable under each level of Fire Danger.
Here is the information issued today by Grants Pass Fire Rescue:
Recent rain and continued precipitation in the forecast have prompted the fire danger level to decrease. On Monday, September 19, 2022, at 12:01 a.m., the fire danger in the City of Grants Pass will decrease to “HIGH” (yellow).
This change in the fire danger level allows for the use of power-driven equipment again, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be allowed before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. every day. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.
Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
• Smoking in areas of flammable vegetation is prohibited.
• Open wood-fueled fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane, and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed.
• Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Each power saw is required to have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity. A fire watch of at least one hour is required following the use of the saw.
• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal in areas of flammable vegetation is not allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• The mowing of dried, cured grass will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine in areas of flammable vegetation not specifically mentioned will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, this equipment must be used in a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available.
The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.
For more information about the City of Grants Pass Fire Season regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200