We can use a few more volunteer firefighters. For information, contact Fire Chief Jeffrey Wecks, 541-432-2901.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
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| Protective equipment stands ready at Wallowa Lake fire station |
The task force will draw up recommendations to induce current firefighters to move to the lake or non-firefighters to move to the lake and become firefighters, according to Chuck Anderson, the district’s board president.
Members of the Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Task Force are Anderson, board vice president James Burton and community members Michael Vali, Randy Slinker and Pam Slinker. Non-member advisers are Fire Chief Jeffrey Wecks, Enterprise insurance agent Les Bridges and Larry Wooldridge, chief of La Grande Rural Fire Protection District.
“Very few residents live at the lake year round and we have tried to recruit from among them,” Anderson said. “It’s a tough problem, since ideally we should have five or six firefighters on our roster and right now we’re lucky to have two available to respond to a call for service.”
The firefighters belong to Joseph Fire Department, which provides fire and rescue services to the district under a contract. In an emergency, firefighters also respond from the Joseph fire station.
In 2010, a shortage of firefighters worsened the district’s fire rating, resulting in increased homeowner insurance premiums. The rating was reestablished two years later. Anderson said the fire board hopes to avoid a repeat of that episode.
The task force is being asked to make its recommendations by March 1.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
With an increased risk of fire in the days surrounding Halloween, Oregon State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace reminds residents to keep fire safety in mind when participating in Halloween festivities.
"We want to remind families to remember fire safety when decorating and participating in activities throughout the Halloween weekend," Wallace said. "Events and activities surrounding Halloween can increase the risk of fire and injuries. When you combine an increase in candle use with decorations, costumes, and children, it makes for an increased fire risk. For a safer option, we recommend using battery-operated candles."
"We want to remind families to remember fire safety when decorating and participating in activities throughout the Halloween weekend," Wallace said. "Events and activities surrounding Halloween can increase the risk of fire and injuries. When you combine an increase in candle use with decorations, costumes, and children, it makes for an increased fire risk. For a safer option, we recommend using battery-operated candles."
In the four-day period surrounding Halloween (Oct. 29 through Nov. 1) over the past five years, there have been 196 structure fires in Oregon resulting in one fatality, eight injuries and more than $4.8 million in property damage.
With Halloween just a few days away, here are some tips from the Office of State Fire Marshal:
- Purchase only costumes, wigs, and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Avoid flowing costumes or those that drag; these may easily contact an open flame and catch fire.
- Keep flammable materials such as dried flowers, corn stalks, hay bales, crepe paper, and other decorations well away from open flames and heat sources including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
- Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Teach children to Stop, Drop, and Roll should their costume catch fire.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating jack-o-lanterns, instead of candles.
- Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torchlights when decorating walkways and yards.
- If using candles, place them out of reach of children and pets.
- Always use a sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic candleholder.
- Never leave candles burning unattended and be sure to blow them out before leaving the room or before going to sleep.
- Don't light candles with items embedded in them such as twigs, flowers, or leaves.
- Check decorative light sets for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Dispose of any damaged sets.
- Don't overload extension cords or electrical sockets.
- Be sure to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom.
- Fight arson by reporting suspicious activity to the Wallowa County Sheriff's Office.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Friday, October 4, 2013
Oct. 6-12 was National Fire Prevention Week in Oregon. In following the theme of Prevent Kitchen Fires, this year's focus is safety in the kitchen, specifically cooking safety. The Office of State Fire Marshal warns that cooking related fires are the No. 1 cause of residential fires in Oregon.From 2008 through 2012, Oregon had 3,601 reported cooking-related fires, causing four fatalities, 219 injuries, and more than $32 million in property loss.
"Cooking-related fires are preventable, and preventing fires is everyone's responsibility," said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "Keep a watchful eye on what you cook; most kitchen fires begin when cooking food is left unattended. It's amazing how quickly cooking on the stove can flare up causing burns or destroying your home," Walker said.
The Office of State Fire Marshal recommends the following fire safety tips:
* Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
* Keep cooking area clean, including stovetop, burners, oven, and exhaust fan.
* Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from your stovetop.
* Wear clothing that will not dangle onto stove burners and catch fire .
* Do not use the stovetop as a countertop.
* Cooking oil can ignite quickly. Heat oil slowly and watch it closely.
"Never pour water on a grease fire, Walker noted. "It can spatter the grease and spread the fire."
If a fire starts in a pan follow these tips:
* Turn off the burner.
* Let it cool down completely before taking off the lid.
* Don't pick up the pan and move it.
If fire breaks on in the oven or microwave, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
If you are in doubt about controlling a kitchen fire, just get out! Close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 after you leave.
Fire Prevention Week is observed nationally each year during the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, notorious for having killed 250 people and destroying a large part of the city on Oct. 9, 1871.
Oregon fire departments statewide sponsor Fire Prevention Week activities in their communities.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Public-use restrictions regarding campfires, chainsaws, smoking and off-road vehicle travel in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest will be lifted as of Sept. 18.
“I would like to remind the public that although cooler temperatures and recent rain have reduced the need for public use restrictions, we are still in fire season,” said Bret Ruby, fire management officer.
“Fires should be built in a fire ring and should never be left unattended,” he said. “Please help us prevent wildfires. Extinguish campfires by adding water and stirring the coals until the fire is completely out.”
Forest visitors are reminded to obtain the most current public use restriction information before heading out. If you are unsure of which restrictions apply, please call 541-426-5546 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman
Fire restrictions within one-fourth mile of the Snake River, in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and along the Grande Ronde River are not affected and will remain in place.
To report a wildfire, please call 911.
Joseph firefighters will find addresses more quickly with GPS units being purchased for their fleet by Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District.
District directors voted Monday, Sept. 16, to equip Joseph Fire Department engines, water tenders and its rescue unit with Garmin GPS units.
“Lake homeowners will benefit because our Joseph firefighters will be more effective responding to lake fire calls,” Board President Chuck Anderson said.
The purchase totals $1,400 including lifetime mapping updates. The district had allocated funds for the purchase during public budget discussions in June.
Also approved by directors was a system to begin replacing firefighting “turnout” suits for Joseph firefighters who respond from the lake fire station.
The board agreed to fund a full single set of turnouts for $2,600. The district plans to buy a turnout set each year until all lake responders’ turnouts are replaced, Anderson said. At the board’s suggstion, Anderson agreed to seek grant support for the longterm project.
Joseph turnouts in use today were purchased in 2005 and are rated for a maximum of 10 years before they lose their fire-resistant qualities, according to lake Fire Chief Jeffrey Wecks.
The purchases are part of a continuing effort to support Joseph Fire with equipment that it can’t otherwise afford, Anderson said.
Board members also agreed to install a permanent air compressor in the station with plumbing to each of the station’s three apparatus bays to maintain air-brake capacity in parked vehicles so they are fully capable of responding. Most fire stations in the U.S. have such a system.
The board assigned Wecks to install the system for $1,500 after other estimates were much higher.
Currently, a portable compressor is connected to the engine in the lake station. Directors agreed during budget discussions that the permanent system is needed because Joseph expects to station a wildland engine in the station soon and the station eventually could maintain a third vehicle.
In other action, the board reviewed Wecks’ performance as fire chief after his first 10 months and agreed to maintain his agreement as the district’s chief. “We agreed that he has done a great job for us,” Anderson said.
Monday, September 9, 2013
The Board of Directors of Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District will meet at the lake fire station at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16. As always, the meeting is open to the public and the board welcomes input. Here is the agenda (the executive session is private, as provided in ORS 192.660). Click the agenda to enlarge.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Joseph firefighters dismantled a truck cab with the Hurst Jaws of Life, some kids got a fire engine ride and recently retired Fire Chief Tom Clevenger was surprised with a long-delayed gift from the Costa Mesa, Calif., Fire Department.
There was plenty of action in the space of two hours Saturday, Aug. 31, at a Home Safety Fair co-sponsored by the Joseph Fire Department and Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District.Around 100 lake homeowners and vacationers who happened by also learned about the benefits of Life Flight memberships and inspected Joseph’s newest firefighting vehicles, the four-wheel-drive Engine 1 and Brush Truck 9, a converted military Humvee, as well as Wallowa Memorial Hospital’s new state-of-the-art ambulance.
The Humvee and ambulance received lots of attention, but the biggest impression was made with a demonstration of the hydraulic Jaws of Life. Firefighters Clevenger and Bob Lion and Chief Jeffrey Wecks made quick work of a pickup cab, removing doors and the roof, turning the cab into what would have been a convertible if it wasn’t already wrecked.
Clevenger was the center of a short ceremony during which he was presented with a framed resolution of appreciation from the fire district’s board of directors and a traditional fire department retirement-badge wallet from Costa Mesa, where he was a career firefighter before moving here.
District Board President Chuck Anderson explained that the wallet had been intended to be presented to Clevenger upon his retirement but inexplicably wasn’t. Costa Mesa Interim Fire Chief Fred Seguin discovered the wallet as he was researching Clevenger’s employment records at Anderson’s request for the text of the resolution.
“I was honored to be the one to present the wallet and our resolution to Tom,” Anderson said afterward. “His contribution to the fire service in Wallowa County has been tremendous, and it was about time we let him know how much we appreciate him.”
Fire protection and rescue services in the Wallowa Lake basin are provided by Joseph Fire Department under a contract with the fire district.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
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| Photo/Paul Karvoski |
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issued this briefing statement on Tuesday, Aug. 20. It has been edited slightly.
The Big Sheep 2 fire, which started on the Wallowa Valley District and crept over Big Sheep Divide into the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, is approximately six miles south of Imnaha and 19 miles northeast of Joseph. A fire camp has been established at the Joseph Rodeo Grounds.
The fire was detected on August 18, started from lightning, and is currently at 129 acres. This fire is in grassy, steep terrain with small pockets of timber. There’s a lot of private land in both the Big Sheep and Imnaha Creek drainages. Paul Karvoski, Wallowa County emergency services manger, has been in the area since the fire started talking with the private landowners. The local Type 3 Incident Management Team, with Francis Tyler as the Incident Commander, is managing the fire.
This fire is being suppressed aggressively with water and retardant, with continued aerial support from State of Oregon Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) dropping retardant, helicopters dropping water, and engine and handcrew support where access and terrain permits. This fire was detected by the Sled Springs Initial Attack helicopter while in route to another fire on the Idaho side of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. By reporting this fire while still small, initial attack resources were able to play a significant role in fire suppression.
The fire was detected on August 18, started from lightning, and is currently at 129 acres. This fire is in grassy, steep terrain with small pockets of timber. There’s a lot of private land in both the Big Sheep and Imnaha Creek drainages. Paul Karvoski, Wallowa County emergency services manger, has been in the area since the fire started talking with the private landowners. The local Type 3 Incident Management Team, with Francis Tyler as the Incident Commander, is managing the fire.
This fire is being suppressed aggressively with water and retardant, with continued aerial support from State of Oregon Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) dropping retardant, helicopters dropping water, and engine and handcrew support where access and terrain permits. This fire was detected by the Sled Springs Initial Attack helicopter while in route to another fire on the Idaho side of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. By reporting this fire while still small, initial attack resources were able to play a significant role in fire suppression.
Firefighter, public, and community health and safety are of the highest priority. Public safety and management of risk guide every decision we make and action we take. Concerns for firefighter safety on this fire include: the remote location, difficult terrain, significant rock rollout, accessibility, continued high temperatures, and local windy conditions.
As of today, the Team has been successful in containing and suppressing this fire. Mark Moeller, Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Wallowa Fire Zone, stated “The major contributing factors to the success of catching and containing this fire was early detection, availability of aerial resources (SEATs and helicopters), and a break in having excellent relative humidity recovery yesterday morning with a RH of 72 percent.”
The initial attack on this fire was through aerial resources, which included two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 2 Helicopters, and two SEAT planes. One of the Type 1 helicopters on the initial attack was from McCall, Idaho, utilizing the Tri-Region agreement for fire resources. The SEATs were funded through new Oregon State legislation passed in June of 2013, through the Wildfire Protection Act. In July, funding was allocated for additional air resources statewide.
State fire managers have been working for several years to persuade legislatures to spend funding upfront for resources to keep fires small, save private lands, and reduce costs on project fires. “Through a strong partnership and good working relationship with Oregon Department of Forestry, these aerial resources are available and help reduce firefighter exposure, reduce loss to natural resources, and reduce overall financial exposure. These SEATs are very versatile and have become key firefighting resources in this rough and inaccessible terrain,” stated Moeller.
We do not fight fire alone. Over many years, wildland firefighters in Oregon and Washington have created a system of highly mobile federal, state, tribal cooperator and contractor assets: firefighters, aircraft and equipment. Forest landowners and community members also play an integral role, contributing local knowledge, experience and equipment on all fires. Teamwork, partnerships and cooperation are essential in managing this fire.
“We have a lot of values at risk on this fire, such as all the private property in Big Sheep Creek and Imnaha drainages. The potential for growth on this fire was extreme and we are very thankful for the amazing job of all the firefighters and aerial resources at containing this fire.” reported Kris Stein, District Ranger for Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and Acting Wallowa Valley District.
If you have questions about this fire, please call: 541-426-5681 and 541-426-5692. Information is also available at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3678/ .
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
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| Joseph firefighters on a rescue truck, fire engine and newly acquired Humvee prepare for swimmer rescue (above). Instead, patient is lifted into sheriff's patrol boat (below) for a trip to the emergency room. |
Firefighters responded from Wallowa Lake and Joseph in mid-afternoon Sunday, Aug. 4, to assist in the rescue of a swimmer who hit his head on rocks on the east side of Wallowa Lake.Witnesses said the swimmer, who was using a tire swing, hit his head in the water.
Firefighters were prepared to bring the patient up the 30-foot cliff from the shore using rope-rescue equipment, including a mobile winch acquired earlier this year but not yet put into use.
Instead, however, the firefighters helped paramedics and others reach the victim.
After on-scene medical treatment, the patient was lifted into the Wallowa County Sheriff's Office patrol boat, taken to the boat dock at Wallowa Lake State Park and transferred to a Wallowa County Health Care District ambulance for a trip to the emergency room.
Firefighters directed traffic around the emergency scene along the Wallowa Lake Highway.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Joseph firefighters responded from the Joseph and Wallowa Lake fire stations Tuesday evening, July 30, to battle a fire in downtown Wallowa.Answering a mutual-aid request from the Wallowa Fire Department, Joseph and Enterprise fire companies battled a fire at the Bon Ton Saloon, but the building was a total loss.
Except for some damage to the next-door Wheatland Insurance building, the massive response prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining structures.
This was the first structure-fire response for lake-based Engine 3 since it was moved to the lake in October 2012.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Joseph firefighters kept two small related roadside grass fires from spreading to a nearby pasture along Highway 82 in the early evening of Monday, July 29.The blazes were snuffed out with a hose line from an engine and a water tender's side-aimed
nozzle.
Traffic on the highway, just south of Eggleson Lane, was slowed but not seriously delayed.
Altogether, Joseph Fire provided crews on two engines and two tenders.
Cause of the blazes is undetermined.
Friday, July 26, 2013
After many weeks with no calls, Joseph Fire and Rescue was dispatched twice on Thursday, July 25, for a hazardous-material spill and a fire in rural Enterprise.
In the afternoon, firefighters responded to a puddle of diesel fuel in a parking space on Main Street in front of the Joseph Post Office. The spill was contained and the fuel removed with absorbent material.
That evening, a mutual-aid request brought Joseph firefighters to Golf Course Road to assist Enterprise Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry in containing a hay barn fire. The barn and hay inside were lost and about an acre of grassland was scorched.
In the afternoon, firefighters responded to a puddle of diesel fuel in a parking space on Main Street in front of the Joseph Post Office. The spill was contained and the fuel removed with absorbent material.
That evening, a mutual-aid request brought Joseph firefighters to Golf Course Road to assist Enterprise Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry in containing a hay barn fire. The barn and hay inside were lost and about an acre of grassland was scorched.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Joseph State Airport, usually populated only by small private planes, is host to several helicopters as wildland firefighters work to control the 530-acre Cuba fire and 16 small fires started by lightning during a thunderstorm July 16.
Along with their ground support crews, copters contracted by the U.S. Forest Service are based midway along the runway and are visible from the entrance to the Wallowa County landfill transfer station. The copters are used for reconnaissance, water drops and fire retardant drops.
The Cuba fire in rugged terrain of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is across the Snake River in Idaho, but just 30 miles from Joseph. It was reported to be 75 percent contained as of Saturday, July 20.
The Joseph airport frequently is used by firefighting aircraft during the summer fire season because of its proximity to fire-prone forested areas including the Wallowa-Whitman, Eagle Cap Wilderness and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
"Phase A" public-use restrictions on campfires, smoking, off-road travel and chain saw use will go into effect in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on Thursday, July 18. The same restrictions will be in force in the Umatilla National Forest.The restrictions are being implemented because of increased fire danger, hot and dry weather conditions and concern for public safety, according to Bret Ruby, fire staff officer in the Wallowa-Whitman.
The restrictions come as firefighters are working to contain a small wildland fire near Nebo Lookout in the Eagle Cap Wilderness about 15 miles south of Joseph. Lightning was the cause.
The restrictions involve the following:
Campfires are restricted to fire pits in areas cleared of flammable vegetation.
Campfires are restricted to fire pits in areas cleared of flammable vegetation.
Smoking is limited to inside vehicles and buildings, developed recreation sites and cleared area.
Off-road/off-trail travel is prohibited, as is use of exploding targets.
Chain saw use is restricted to before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m., with a one-hour watch for fire starts after shutdown.
The public’s cooperation and awareness of the increasing fire danger is essential to a safe fire season, Ruby said.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
Burning permits are required now throughout the Wallowa Lake basin and the rest of Wallowa County.The Oregon Department of Forestry declared the start of fire season July 1. For permit information, contact ODF's Wallowa Unit, 541-886-2881.
With the arrival of typical summer weather, ODF and the Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District remind you to be aware of the most common wildfire causes: off-road driving and riding, campfires, smoking and fireworks.
For more on wildfire prevention, click here.
Monday, July 1, 2013
President Chuck Anderson of the Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection Distrtict issued this statement on Monday, July 1:
Those of us dedicated to fire protection know the dangers inherent in firefighting. Every time there's a call for service, firefighters realize there's a chance they won't return home, no matter how fit, well trained and well equipped they are.
Usually an emergency incident results in no or few injuries, but not on Sunday, June 30, in Arizona.
Wildland firefighters are trained to watch for danger, stay in communication, be aware of the weather and leave themselves an escape route. But even those precautions don't guarantee safety because a wildland fire can be unpredictable.
Even so, for 19 members of a 20-member elite unit of a fire department to lose their lives together – the depth of the loss is almost impossible to grasp. At Wallowa Lake and the neighboring City of Joseph, the loss of 19 firefighters would devastate us. In addition to the sorrow and pain, we'd be left with no one to respond to an emergency – no one.
We are 1,100 miles from Prescott, Arizona, where the Granite Mountain Hotshots lived and served. Yet the loss hits home. It's a reminder of the enormous commitment of our volunteer firefighters – our friends and neighbors who will show up whenever we need them.
We join with all those in the fire service across the U.S. who mourn and express our sincere condolences to the families of the bravest of the brave.
Whenever you see a firefighter, say thanks. He or she might show up at your house tomorrow.
This loss also is a reminder that a wildland fire is the biggest possible threat to the Wallowa Lake basin. Keep your weeds cut, abide by all fire restrictions and talk to anyone you see who is doing anything that could be dangerous.
Usually an emergency incident results in no or few injuries, but not on Sunday, June 30, in Arizona.
Wildland firefighters are trained to watch for danger, stay in communication, be aware of the weather and leave themselves an escape route. But even those precautions don't guarantee safety because a wildland fire can be unpredictable.
Even so, for 19 members of a 20-member elite unit of a fire department to lose their lives together – the depth of the loss is almost impossible to grasp. At Wallowa Lake and the neighboring City of Joseph, the loss of 19 firefighters would devastate us. In addition to the sorrow and pain, we'd be left with no one to respond to an emergency – no one.
We are 1,100 miles from Prescott, Arizona, where the Granite Mountain Hotshots lived and served. Yet the loss hits home. It's a reminder of the enormous commitment of our volunteer firefighters – our friends and neighbors who will show up whenever we need them.
We join with all those in the fire service across the U.S. who mourn and express our sincere condolences to the families of the bravest of the brave.
Whenever you see a firefighter, say thanks. He or she might show up at your house tomorrow.
This loss also is a reminder that a wildland fire is the biggest possible threat to the Wallowa Lake basin. Keep your weeds cut, abide by all fire restrictions and talk to anyone you see who is doing anything that could be dangerous.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Joseph firefighters chose Wecks in their annual election Thursday, June 27. The selection is subject to ratification by the Joseph City Council.
Wecks succeeds Tom Clevenger, who retired July 1 after three years in the top post. The firefighters elected Clevenger as secretary and treasurer of their association. Clevenger also will remain a firefighter.
Longtime Asst. Chief Matt Walker was reelected as were Captains Kevin Warnock, Justin Doherty and Andy Hayes.
All Joseph firefighters and officers are volunteers.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
The Office of State Fire Marshal, the Oregon fire service, natural resource agencies, Oregon fireworks wholesalers and safety experts encourage Oregonians to "Keep it Legal and Keep it Safe" when using fireworks.
The 2013 Oregon fireworks sales season opens Sunday, June 23, and runs through July 6. The OSFM and its partners want everyone to know what fireworks are legal in Oregon, where they are permitted and the important steps to take for fireworks safety.
"People often forget that legal fireworks can only be purchased from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands," Fire Marshal Mark Wallace said, "and regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. For example, fireworks are prohibited on all Oregon beaches, in parks and campgrounds."
Oregon law bans possession, use or sale of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon.
Some 161 fireworks-related fires were reported in Oregon during 2012, resulting in more than 36 injuries and more than $230,000 in property damage. Over the past five years, there were 824 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon resulting in 111 civilian injuries and was more than $3.6 million in property damage.
Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children."All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only legal fireworks and use them carefully," Wallace said. "We encourage you to be aware and considerate of neighbors and their pets before deciding on when and where you choose to light fireworks."
The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four B's of safe fireworks use:
• Be Prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
• Be Safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
• Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be Aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.
The four B's of fireworks safety brochure is available here: www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/4BesFireworks.pdf.
Tips in Spanish are also available at: www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/Fireworks_4Bs_Spanish.pdf.
The Office of State Fire Marshal, the Oregon fire service, natural resource agencies, Oregon fireworks wholesalers and safety experts encourage Oregonians to "Keep it Legal and Keep it Safe" when using fireworks. "People often forget that legal fireworks can only be purchased from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands," Fire Marshal Mark Wallace said, "and regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. For example, fireworks are prohibited on all Oregon beaches, in parks and campgrounds."
Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four B's of safe fireworks use:
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