Fire Danger Level Rises to Moderate in Grants Pass: New Regulations Announced
Warm weather across the Grants Pass area has dried vegetation significantly, prompting the City Fire Marshal to elevate the fire danger level to Moderate (Blue) starting Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at 12:01 am. With this change, fire prevention regulations within the City of Grants Pass will also be updated to ensure community safety.
New Fire Season Regulations Effective June 20th:
- Smoking:
- Prohibited in areas with flammable vegetation.
- Open Fires:
- Wood-fueled fires, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, are prohibited except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal.
- Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues, propane, and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires remain allowed.
- Power Saws:
- Must be shut down between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Each power saw must have one shovel and one fire extinguisher (at least 8-ounce capacity).
- A fire watch of at least one hour is required after using the saw.
- Metal Cutting, Grinding, and Welding:
- Not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in areas with flammable vegetation.
- Mowing:
- Mowing of dried, cured grass is prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Motor Vehicles:
- Only permitted on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the cultivation and harvest of agricultural crops.
- Other Equipment:
- Spark-emitting internal combustion engines not specifically mentioned are prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in areas with flammable vegetation.
- This equipment must be used in a cleared area during other hours, with a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher (2 ½ pounds or larger) immediately available.
The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may approve modifications or waivers of these requirements in writing.
Existing Regulations Until June 19th:
- Smoking in areas with flammable vegetation is prohibited.
- Open fires, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, are prohibited except at designated locations.
- Natural gas, propane, and charcoal BBQs, smokers, and ornamental fires are still allowed.
- Power saw use is permitted all day, provided safety equipment is on hand and a fire watch follows.
- Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal in flammable areas are allowed all day.
- Mowing dry, cured grass is permitted all day.
- Motor vehicles are restricted to improved roads free of flammable vegetation.
- Spark-emitting engines can be used in cleared areas with appropriate fire prevention measures in place.
For more information about the City of Grants Pass Fire Season regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200.
