The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), 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 2011 Oregon fireworks sales season opens today, June 23 and runs through July 6. The OSFM and their partners want everyone to know what are legal fireworks in Oregon, where they are permitted, and the important steps everyone can take for fireworks safety.
"Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands," advises Interim State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "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.
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.
There were 117 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon during 2010, resulting in more than $1.6 million in property damage. Over the past five years from 2006 through 2010 there were 1,057 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon resulting in one death, 62 civilian injuries, and more than $4.7 million in property damage.
"All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only legal fireworks and use them carefully," adds Walker.
The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four Bs 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 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:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/4BesFireworks.pdf.
Tips in Spanish are also available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/Fireworks_4Bs_Spanish.pdf.
More fireworks information is available at:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Licensing_Fireworks_Home.shtml
Showing posts with label state fire marshall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state fire marshall. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS CITIZENS TO KEEP HALLOWEEN FIRE FREE
Posted: October 26th, 2010 3:18 PM
Oregon State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson reminds residents to keep fire safety at the forefront when participating in Halloween festivities.
"Events and activities surrounding Halloween can increase the risk of fire and injuries," says State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson. "When you combine an increase in candle use with decorations, costumes, and children, you have an increased fire risk. A safer option is to use battery-operated candles. We want to remind families to remember fire safety when decorating and participating in activities throughout the weekend."
In the five-day period surrounding Halloween (Oct. 28 through Nov. 1), over the past five years there have been 290 structure fires in Oregon resulting in 10 injuries and more than $5.5 million in property damage.
With Halloween just a few days away, the Office of State Fire Marshal offers tips to keep everyone safe:
• Only purchase 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.
• Consider using flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating jack-o-lanterns.
• 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 in your area to your local law enforcement agency.
More fire safety information is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Com_Ed_Section.shtml.
If you are planning to host a haunted house, you can find state regulations at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Codes/AppendixK.pdf.
Oregon State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson reminds residents to keep fire safety at the forefront when participating in Halloween festivities.
"Events and activities surrounding Halloween can increase the risk of fire and injuries," says State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson. "When you combine an increase in candle use with decorations, costumes, and children, you have an increased fire risk. A safer option is to use battery-operated candles. We want to remind families to remember fire safety when decorating and participating in activities throughout the weekend."
In the five-day period surrounding Halloween (Oct. 28 through Nov. 1), over the past five years there have been 290 structure fires in Oregon resulting in 10 injuries and more than $5.5 million in property damage.
With Halloween just a few days away, the Office of State Fire Marshal offers tips to keep everyone safe:
• Only purchase 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.
• Consider using flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating jack-o-lanterns.
• 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 in your area to your local law enforcement agency.
More fire safety information is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Com_Ed_Section.shtml.
If you are planning to host a haunted house, you can find state regulations at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Codes/AppendixK.pdf.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Federal Funds to help cover S. Oregon firefighing costs
MEDFORD, Ore. - More than 475 fire fighters from across Oregon responded to the two fires burning in Southern Oregon this week, and the federal government is now aiding in the firefighting costs. So far, the cost of suppressing the South County Fire Complex in Ashland and Medford has reached around $820,000.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, has authorized the use of federal funds to help curb costs to local agencies. Five air tankers and five helicopters fought the complex. Everytime an air tanker dropped a round of retardant Monday it cost around $12,000. FEMA representatives say funds were approved when around 400 homes in Ashland and Medford were threatened.
Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) is provided through the president's Disaster Relief Fund. The fund is made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.
The FEMA funds will ease costs for local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency management operations, and the Oregon Department of Foresty which brought in resources from all over the state of Oregon. "There's significant overtime costs on an incident of this size and FEMA pays for 75 percent of those costs," Chief Deputy Fire Marshall Jim Walker said.
The Red Cross also incurs costs when staging resource centers like the one set up in Ashland Monday afternoon. "In our particular instance we utilized one of the local armories, and its not a free gift to the American Red Cross. We have to pay for that. It can be very expensive. The last cost I heard was like $480 every 24 hours," Red Cross Emergency Service Director Antone Hernandez said.
Fire officials say if federal dollars are not obtained the firefighting costs could fall on the community. "Fires of this size can cost up to one-million to two-million dollars to suppress and fight. And of those smaller districts that don't have those resources (they) need to go out and get them, they usually can't afford them. And therefore the county or the community would have to find some way to pay for that resource," Walker said.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, has authorized the use of federal funds to help curb costs to local agencies. Five air tankers and five helicopters fought the complex. Everytime an air tanker dropped a round of retardant Monday it cost around $12,000. FEMA representatives say funds were approved when around 400 homes in Ashland and Medford were threatened.
Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) is provided through the president's Disaster Relief Fund. The fund is made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.
The FEMA funds will ease costs for local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency management operations, and the Oregon Department of Foresty which brought in resources from all over the state of Oregon. "There's significant overtime costs on an incident of this size and FEMA pays for 75 percent of those costs," Chief Deputy Fire Marshall Jim Walker said.
The Red Cross also incurs costs when staging resource centers like the one set up in Ashland Monday afternoon. "In our particular instance we utilized one of the local armories, and its not a free gift to the American Red Cross. We have to pay for that. It can be very expensive. The last cost I heard was like $480 every 24 hours," Red Cross Emergency Service Director Antone Hernandez said.
Fire officials say if federal dollars are not obtained the firefighting costs could fall on the community. "Fires of this size can cost up to one-million to two-million dollars to suppress and fight. And of those smaller districts that don't have those resources (they) need to go out and get them, they usually can't afford them. And therefore the county or the community would have to find some way to pay for that resource," Walker said.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Governor invokes emergency conflagration act in response to Deer Ridge Fire
Governor Kulongoski Invokes Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to Deer Ridge Fire
Fire located near Medford threatened nearly 300 homes at its peak
Salem – Yesterday afternoon Governor Ted Kulongoski invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the fire near Medford in Jackson County.
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, the Governor determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire and that the threat exceeds the fire-fighting capabilities of local fire-fighting personnel and equipment.
By invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act, the Governor ordered the Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshall to mobilize fire resources statewide and coordinate with all appropriate Fire Defense Chiefs for the use of personnel and equipment to suppress and contain the fire.
“Conditions in the area are very volatile and the fire threatens both life and property, which is why I have directed all available state resources to help contain this fire,” said Governor Kulongoski. “I want to make sure that this community has every resource necessary to fight this fire and protect the safety of citizens of Jackson County.”
The fire has burned approximately 633 acres and efforts to line the perimeter continue. This emergency is declared only for the Deer Ridge fire near Medford and was effective immediately.
The Governor also invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act yesterday in response to the Siskiyou Fire near Ashland, which remains at approximately 153 acres.
Fire located near Medford threatened nearly 300 homes at its peak
Salem – Yesterday afternoon Governor Ted Kulongoski invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the fire near Medford in Jackson County.
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, the Governor determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire and that the threat exceeds the fire-fighting capabilities of local fire-fighting personnel and equipment.
By invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act, the Governor ordered the Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshall to mobilize fire resources statewide and coordinate with all appropriate Fire Defense Chiefs for the use of personnel and equipment to suppress and contain the fire.
“Conditions in the area are very volatile and the fire threatens both life and property, which is why I have directed all available state resources to help contain this fire,” said Governor Kulongoski. “I want to make sure that this community has every resource necessary to fight this fire and protect the safety of citizens of Jackson County.”
The fire has burned approximately 633 acres and efforts to line the perimeter continue. This emergency is declared only for the Deer Ridge fire near Medford and was effective immediately.
The Governor also invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act yesterday in response to the Siskiyou Fire near Ashland, which remains at approximately 153 acres.
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