Wallowa-Whitman National Forest lowers Industrial Fire Protection Levels

NORTHEAST OREGON — With cooler weather expected, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has announced a reduction in the Industrial Fire Protection Level (IFPL) across all its units. 

As of August 13, the IFPL has dropped to Level 3. However, the Emily unit, managed by the Umatilla National Forest, will maintain its current Level 4 status.

Under Level 3 restrictions, certain industrial activities will face partial shutdowns. The following operations are prohibited unless otherwise noted:

• Cable yarding: Prohibited except for gravity-operated logging systems using non-motorized carriages, which may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. as long as all blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above the ground, with the exception of the line between the carriage and the chokers.

• Power saws: Prohibited except at loading sites and during tractor/skidder operations between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time.

Additionally, the following activities are permitted between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:

• Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations, provided that equipment capable of constructing a fireline is immediately available to quickly respond to any fire start.
• Mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material.
• Blasting.
• Welding or cutting of metal.
• Any other spark-emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

Forest officials urge the public to check local fire restrictions before heading out to ensure compliance and safety.

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Elkhorn Media Group