Fishhawk Lake
Campfire Safety Program
Table
of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION:
................................................................................................ 3
A. Purpose:
.. 3
B. Scope:
.. 3
II. FIRE
PIT CERTIFICATION PROCESS:
.
3
A. Fire Pit Site Selection:
. 4
B. Fire Pit Installation:
4
C. Fire Pit Inspection, Training and Certification:
4
D. Fire Pit Annual Re-inspection
..
7
III. Campfire
Rules and Penalties for Violations:
..
10
A. Campfire Rules:
.
10
B. Penalties for Violations:
....
10
C. Fire Emergencies:
..
11
IV. Fire Safety Training:
.
.. 11
A. Fire Pit Certification Training:
.
.. 11
B. FLRC Fire Steward Training:
..
12
APPENDICES:
Abbreviations
and Acronyms:
.
.. 14
Glossary
of Terms:
.
. 14
Important
Phone Numbers:
..
. 14
I.
INTRODUCTION:
A. Purpose:
The Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire
District (MBRFD) and the Oregon Department of
Forestry (ODF) have the authority to
grant or rescind permission for campfire
burning to FLRC Community Property
Owners.
The Fishhawk Lake Recreation Club
(FLRC) Campfire Safety Program defines
the rules, regulations and
responsibilities of all involved organizations regarding
campfires. This program pertains only to campfires on
FLRC Property Owner's
sites.
The program defines the requirements
of individual Property Owners, which must
be met, to be granted the privilege
of campfire burning on their property.
B. Scope:
This document defines the rules and
regulations associated with campfire burning
and the roles and responsibilities
of all involved organizations. The
process for
individual property owners to acquire
and maintain permission to have campfires
is emphasized.
Applicable forms and checklists are
referenced in each section. A list of
acronyms/abbreviations, definition
of terms and important phone numbers are
contained in the Appendix.
II. FIRE
PIT CERTIFICATION PROCESS:
The
Property Owner must request authorization from the FLRC to install a fire pit
that will be used during regulated
closure. This initiates the four-step process
leading to the installation and
certification of an approved fire pit.
·
Fire Pit Site Selection
·
Fire Pit Installation
·
Fire Pit Inspection, Training and
Certification
·
Annual Re-inspection
This section details the sequence of
activities and the roles and responsibilities of all
involved organizations in the
process. Samples of Official Forms are
included in this
section. Property Owners should familiarize themselves with the requirements
documented on the forms for each phase.
A. Fire
Pit Site Selection:
Upon
receiving a request for fire pit installation the FLRC assigns a Fire Steward
to assist the Property Owner with site selection. After a site has been selected the Property
Owner must prepare the site in accordance with requirements in Figure
2. The site must also:
·
Be 20 feet from any structure
·
Have at least 12 feet overhead
clearance from limbs and other combustibles
·
Have at least 5 feet radius around pit
cleared of all combustibles
The Fire Steward will inspect the
prepared campfire site and document results
on forms referenced in Figures 1 and
2. Noted deficiencies must be corrected
by
the Property Owner. Upon approval the Fire pit installation phase
may begin.
B. Fire
Pit Installation:
The installed fire pit must meet
FLRC requirements and Forest Service
specifications. An approved fire pit liner may be procured
through the FLRC.
A pit must be dug out to specific
depth, contour and dimensions sufficient to
contain the Fire pit liner and
required gravel both under and around the liner. The
Fire Steward will provide specific
guidance for each installation and advice on the
use of decorative, fire proof,
materials around the pit. Refer to
Figure 3 for Fire
Pit construction details.
The completed pit must be approved
by the FLRC Fire Steward before an
inspection is scheduled with the
Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Protection District
(MBFPD).
C. Fire
Pit Inspection, Training and Certification:
Prior to certification all people
authorized to use the fire pit must satisfactorily
complete
a (one-time) Fire Safety Training class.
Individualized training
sessions, for the property owners
and authorized users, may be scheduled by
calling the FLRC Office at tel:
755-2132. At all times when the fire pit
is in use
an authorized (trained) person must
be present.
The MBFPD will schedule an
inspection upon notification of the FLRC approved
fire pit. The results of their inspection will be
documented on the Notice Of
Campfire Site Inspection form,
(Figure 4.)
The
fire pit will be granted Certification when the Designated Campfire Site
Certification Inspection form
(Figure 5.) is completed and approved. Approval is
required by Mist-Birkenfeld Fire
District and Oregon Department of Forestry.
Properties with certified fire pits
will be identified by a red dot marker affixed to
their address sign post.
Campfire Site Inspection Procedure
1. Contact the FLRC office to arrange for inspection.
FLRC personnel will notify ODF office of proposed inspection date and time.
Note: Initial inspections require fire district and/or ODF participation.
2. Inspect proposed campfire site using initial campfire inspection
checklist form.
3. If approved:
a. Leave a copy of the checklist with owner, retain original.
b. Leave a copy of the campfire rules with the owner.
c. Explain the rules for use of site clearly.
d. Answer any questions.
4. If not approved:
a. Explain the reasons for not approving.
b. Explain what needs to be done to gain approval.
c. Answer any questions.
d. Re-inspect when notified that improvements have been made.
5. File documentation of inspection with office. Ensure that fire district
receives copies.
Note: Fishhawk Lake Recreation Club inspector must receive annual training through the
fire district training officer. Annual training consists of initial training in
inspection and procedures and refresher training annually thereafter.
Figure 1. Campfire Site Inspection Procedure
Campfire Site Inspection Checklist
Owner: Date:
Address:
_________________________________________________
Yes
No
1. Recreational
Use (warming, cooking, esthetic purposes)? (
) ( )
2. Pit
Location Has Adequate Clearance From Structures (20' Minimum)? ( ) ( )
3. Location
is Private Property owned by Person Requesting Permit? ( ) ( )
(If
"no", has written permission been granted by landowner)? ( ) ( )
4. Area
5 Foot Radius Around Pit Cleared of Combustible Materials? ( ) ( )
5. Area
above Pit Clear of overhanging combustible materials (12' minimum)? ( ) ( )
6. Adequate
Water is Immediately Available For Control or Extinguishment? ( ) ( )
7. Materials
to be Burned are Appropriate? ( ) ( )
(Grass,
Debris, or Trash is Prohibited)
8. Is
it Likely That a Fire at This Location Might Constitute a Threat to Persons,
Property
or the Environment? ( ) ( )
( ) Permission Granted
for Year Ending:
_____________________________________________________________________
( ) Conditional
Permission Granted for Year Ending:
____________________________________________________________
Conditional Restrictions:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
( ) Permission is
Withheld Due to the Following Conditions:
1.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
No campfire will be allowed when fire danger is EXTREME (RED).
Official Making Inspection: __________________________________ Title: _____________________________________
__________________________________ Title: _____________________________________
__________________________________ Title: ______________________________________
FLRC Office: 755-2132 FAX:
755-2545
Figure
2. Campfire Site Inspection Checklist
D. Fire
Pit Annual Re-inspection:
All FLRC Certified fire pits must be re-inspected on an annual basis to retain their Certified status. Fire pit re-inspection procedure is the same as the initial inspection. The fire pit must be properly installed according to the fire pit construction diagram (Figure 3). The pit area must be cleared of vegetation and flammable materials within a five foot radius around the pit and the gravel apron around the pit must be maintained.
Refer to paragraph II.C. for information on fire pit inspection.
Figure
3. Fire Pit Construction Diagram
MIST-BIRKENFELD
RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
12525
HWY 202 Mist, OR 97016
(503)755-2710
or (503)755-0510
Fax
(503)755-2556
Notice
of Campfire Site Inspection
Owner's
name:
__________________________________
Date: ________________
Owner's
Address:
_______________________________________________________
Location
of Site:
________________________________________________________
Site
Approved For Use?
Yes ( ) No (
)
The
following fire safety deficiencies were noted:
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
A
re-inspection is scheduled in: _______
days.
Inspected
by: ________________________ Received by: _____________________
For further information contact:
Chief
Dave Crawford
Mist-Birkenfeld
RFPD District Office
12525
Highway 202, Mist
Or
call at: (503)755-2710 Fax: (503)755-2556
Figure
4. Notice of Campfire Site Inspection
Figure
5. Regulated Closure Designated
Campfire Site Certificate Inspection
III. Campfire
Rules and Penalties for Violations:
Active
campfires must be supervised by an authorized (Fire Safety Trained)
person. The authorized person is
responsible for adhering to the rules associated with campfire burning.
A. Campfire Rules:
·
Certified FLRC fire pits are authorized
to be used during Regulated Closure
Periods.
Refer to the Glossary of Terms for definition.
·
Campfire burning is permitted when
posted Fire Safety Alert conditions are
Yellow, Blue or Green and the campfire allowed sign is displayed.
·
The flame of an active campfire must
not exceed 18 inches above the rim of the
fire pit Liner.
·
Adequate quantities of water and tools
(shovel) must be available to extinguish any out-of-control flame. (A 5 gallon container of water or a charged
hose must be available.)
Burning
Bans: No outside burning, including
campfires or outside cigarette
smoking is permitted during Red Flag
conditions. The RED Extreme condition
and Red Flag will be displayed on Fire
Safety Boards at the Mist-Birkenfeld Fire
Station (MBFS), the FLRC Northshore
entrance and at the FLRC Office.
A total outdoor burning ban is in
effect during the traditionally dry months of July,
August and September, and when the No
Burn Day sign is displayed at the
MBFS.
Campfire burning is permitted in certified fire pits during these months
in
accordance with the burning ban rules
above.
B. Penalties for Violations:
An authorized FLRC representative or
Fire Steward may randomly inspect any
active campfire for adherence to the
rules. If a violation is observed a
penalty will
be administered based on the severity
of the violation. This may range from
simply
advising the property owner of needed
corrective action to revoking the fire pit
certified status.
Fire pit certification may be revoked
if the MBRFD responds to extinguish a
fire in violation of the rules. In addition the MBRFD may assess a fine of up
to
$250.00 to the property owner.
If fire pit certification is revoked,
the property owner must have the fire pit
re-inspected and certified. This includes completion of Fire Safety
training for all
authorized persons.
C. Fire
Emergencies:
The Property Owner and authorized users
are responsible for properly preparing the
pit area to be a safe burn site. This includes adequate water supply (5 gallon
container or pressurized water hose)
and tools (one shovel minimum) to
control the fire. Refer to the Oregon Department of Forestry,
Fire Prevention
Information for campfires (Figure 7.)
for information on campfire safety and fire
prevention.
In the event a campfire gets out of
control, the authorized person should take charge
and direct activities to control the
fire. Attempt to gain control of the fire by using
the available water supply and tools at
the pit.
If the fire continues to spread and
potentially endangers forest trees, property or
cause personal injury, immediately call
911 and report the emergency to the
MBFPD person on-duty, giving them your
name and location.
Notify primary FLRC representatives from
the Important Phone Number List in the
Appendix. Then continue efforts to limit the spread of
the fire until help arrives.
IV. Fire
Safety Training:
A. Fire Pit Certification Training:
Property
Owners and authorized users of fire pits must satisfactorily complete a Fire
Safety Training course as explained in paragraph II. C. This, one time training session, is required
for fire pit certification. Upon request
this training will be scheduled and conducted at the Property Owners fire pit
site. Topics will include campfire
burning rules and responsibilities, proper use and care of the fire pit and
Fire Safety guidelines. Appropriate
materials will be provided to attendees.
Upon
satisfactory completion of Campfire Safety Training, a form, illustrated in
Figure 6, will be completed and signed by the Property Owner and the FLRC
Trainer/Representative. A copy of the
form will be given to the Property Owner and another copy will be maintained on
file at the FLRC office.
After
completion of initial FLRC conducted Campfire Safety Training, the Property
Owner assumes full responsibility for Campfire Safety Training of any
additional authorized users of their campfire pit.
Property
Owners and authorized users of campfire pits are encouraged to participate in
periodic Fire Safety training conducted by the MBFPD. Contact the MBFPD District Office at
(503)755-2710 for schedule information.
FLRC CAMPFIRE SAFETY
TRAINING RECORD
This form certifies that the Property Owner and authorized users of an FLRC inspected campfire pit have successfully completed FLRC Campfire Safety Training.
Property Owners Name: _____________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________
Attendees Names: ________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Red Dot marker has been
affixed to Property Owners address sign.
Property Owner Signature: _____________________________________
FLRC Trainer/Rep. Signature: __________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________
Figure 6. FLRC Campfire Safety Training Record form
B. FLRC Fire Steward Training:
FLRC
Fire Stewards will receive the same Fire Safety training required by fire pit
users. In addition they are thoroughly
briefed on the roles and responsibilities of the Fire Steward position.
FLRC
Fire Stewards also must complete a Fire Safety training course presented by the
MBFPD.
Figure
7. Oregon Department of Forestry, Fire Prevention Information
APPENDICES
Abbreviations and
Acronyms
DEQ Department
of Environmental Quality
FLRC
MBFPD Mist-Birkenfeld
Fire Protection District
MBFS Mist-Birkenfeld
Fire Station
MBRFD Mist-Birkenfeld
Rural Fire Department
ODF Oregon
Department of Forestry
Glossary
of Terms
Authorized User: Persons who has been given permission by Property Owners, to supervise campfires in their certified fire pit and have satisfactorily completed the FLRC Fire Safety Training course.
Fire Weather Warnings: Red Flag Days. Conditions include East Winds, Low Humidity and Extreme Weather conditions.
Regulated Closure: Special forest use restrictions are applied due to elevated fire danger. FLRC certified campfire pits may be use during Regulated Closure.
Important Phone Numbers:
FLRC Local:
Primary: FLRC Office: 755-2132
Jim Dahlquist, Director of Operations
Alternates: Bob Yoder: 755-9311
Important Phone Numbers (contd.):
Fire Stewards: Kathy & Joe Cardona 755-2245
Mary & Glen Post 755-0211
Security Patrol:
Kathy Cardona 755-2245
Glen & Mary Post 755-0211
Mary Lou Yoder 755-9311
Jan Kleen 755-2812
Crystal Curtis 755-0334
Tom Mahar 755-2557
Community and State:
Emergency Medical & Fire
Emergency 911
Mist/Birkenfeld Rural Fire Dept - non-emergency number - 755-2710
Fax - 755-2556
Police
Emergency 911
State Police - 503-325-2231
Columbia County Sheriff - 503-397-2511
Clatsop County Sheriff - 503-325-8635
Nehalem Valley Resident Deputy -
Oregon State Dept. of Forestry
Columbia County
Columbia City Office (503) 397-2636
Kelly Niles, Project Supervisor
Mike Simek, Unit Forester
Clatsop County
Astoria Office (503) 325-5451
Neal Laugle, Project Supervisor
Steve Wilson, Protection Unit Supervisor
Owners of timberland within our water shed
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Astoria Office (503) 738-7066
Ron Zilli, Assistant District Forester
Tom Savage, District Forester
Oregon State University, College of Forestry, Blodget Tract, .541-754-2005
Research Forest Properties - 541-754-2608 or 541-754-2609
American Red Cross 503-248-0011