004-BLM-FireProtection.pdf

FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS – BLM

This outline covers the fire protection requirements of a contractor or private party who performs service or construction contracts on BLM land. In western Oregon, the BLM allows Oregon Forest Law (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) to apply to these operations on BLM lands rather than develop similar rules applicable only to BLM lands.

1. CLOSED FIRE SEASON

The closed fire season means that fire season has been declared. ORS 477.505 gives the State Forester the authority to establish the fire season. The authority has been delegated to the District Foresters around the state who issue public notices through the newspapers and radio when fire season will be closed for their individual districts. Closed fire season depends upon the drying of forest fuels, rainfall, and time of year. During the closed fire season, the following requirements must be met:

Fire tools must be on site;

Fire extinguisher must be in all vehicles;

Chainsaws must have a .023-inch mesh screen installed in the exhaust;

Only unmodified saws are to be used in the forest;

Approved spark arresters must be on all internal combustion engines;

Watchman service must be provided for 3 hrs after shutdown of power equipment for the day;

No smoking is permitted while working or traveling through any operations area in the forest;

No use of explosives is permitted unless approved by the State Forester's representative;

Permits to burn are required unless waived by a representative of the State Forester.

Changes or modifications to the above requirements are possible depending upon changes in State of Oregon law and requirements of the State Districts and Protective Associations.

2. FIRE PRECAUTION LEVELS

There are 4 fire precaution levels that begin with level 1 at the start of the closed fire season and can go through level 4 if conditions warrant. The fire precaution levels restrict certain forest operations as the fire danger increases. It is the responsibility of the individual operating on forest land to know the precaution level for the day and take the correct fire precautions. There are no precaution levels prior to the closed fire season. Each fire precaution level requires adherence to the restrictions applicable to all lower levels in addition to the limits placed by that level.

Level 1 is the lowest level of fire danger usually occurring early in the season and perhaps again after significant rainfall during the season. All requirements listed above apply. Waivers may be issued by the State Districts or Protective Associations and these MUST be approved by the BLM. Waivers will only be considered if the conditions on the work site are not as severe as predicted. The requirements for fire tools on site, screens installed in saws, and fire extinguishers with saws will not be waived.

Level 2 is the partial hootowl where saws can operate from first light in the morning until 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon. From 1:00 p.m. until the end of the day saws are to be shut down. Waivers for operating beyond the 1:00 p.m. shutdown will be evaluated on a site-by-site basis.

Road Maintenance IDIQ AG-04R4-S-15-0003 Attachment 4: BLM Fire Protection and Suppression 1 of 2

Level 3 is the partial shutdown of all forest industrial operations and shuts down contractor operations with few exceptions. Waivers may be issued on a site-by-site basis.

Level 4 is the general shutdown of all contractor operations. Waivers will not be issued. Landowners are permitted entry into their lands.

ORS. 477.066 requires that an operator on forest land take immediate action to control and extinguish a fire on forest land. The contractor shall take this action and notify the BLM and the nearest State of Oregon District office immediately.

OAR. 629-43-030 requires watchmen to be:

Physically capable and experienced in operating any firefighting equipment on site.

On duty for 3 hours after the shutdown of the last power-driven equipment for the day.

Furnished adequate facilities for transportation and communications in order to summon assistance if needed.

Patrolling and visually inspecting all sites where work was done during the day.

3. FIRE TOOLS REQUIRED DURING CLOSED FIRE SEASON

The operator/Contractor shall furnish fire tools to all personnel on site using the following combinations.

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL .

1- 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

KIND OF TOOLS NUMBER OF TOOLS REQUIRED .

Pulaskis 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 Shovels 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 Hazel hoes 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6

In addition to the above handtools, the operator/contractor must provide a backpack pump can filled with water located with the tool box in a readily available area.

All shovels are to be size 0 or larger, long handled. All tools shall be sharp and ready for service. Fire extinguishers as follows:

- For chainsaws - 8 oz. capacity by weight.

- For vehicles - UL rating of at least 4 BC.

Road Maintenance IDIQ AG-04R4-S-15-0003 Attachment 4: BLM Fire Protection and Suppression 2 of 2