Oregon Department of Forestry Sweet Home Unit declared extreme fire danger beginning Tuesday, and with that proclamation comes a complete ban on fires inside and outside the city limits.
The Linn County Fire Defense Board has unanimously agreed to invoke a complete fire ban throughout all of Linn County effective immediately and lasting until further notice. It may last up to two to three weeks, according to a press release issued by the Lebanon Fire District.
With temperatures expected to remain sustained over 100 degrees throughout the week, fire departments are instituting the ban as a preventative measure against wildland and structure fires during this period of extreme fire danger, it said.
The complete fire ban extends to all fires, including recreational fires in backyard fire pits or in fire rings at campgrounds within the boundaries of Linn County fire districts and lands protected by the Sweet Home Unit.
Under ODF restricitons, fires may be allowed in some designated campgrounds, but campers should check with camp hosts.
Sweet Home Fire Chief Dave Barringer said the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District will follow the Sweet Home Unit’s proclamation and regulated use requirements.
This prohibits mowing, grinding, cutting metal, welding and chainsaw use completely.
Barringer said that cooking fires and barbecuing will still be allowed.
For more information, call the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District at (541) 367-5882 or the ODF Sweet Home Unit at (541) 367-6108.