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In the antisapation of triple-digit temperatures and dry fuels, the wildfire danger in and around the City of Grants Pass has increased. At 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 4th, the official fire danger level will climb to Extreme (Red) within the City of Grants Pass.

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Friday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws and mowers. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited in areas of flammable vegetation.

The public fire restrictions that go into effect on Friday are detailed below.

• Power saws are not allowed to be used at any time in areas of flammable vegetation.
• Equipment used for the cutting, grinding, or welding of metal may not be used at any time in areas of flammable vegetation.
• The mowing of dry, cured grass with power equipment may not take place at any time.
• The use of any other spark-emitting equipment using an internal combustion engine is disallowed at any time in areas of flammable vegetation.

The following fire prevention regulations shall remain in effect:

• Open wood-fueled fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
• Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, in a boat on the water, or in a cleared area within a campsite.

The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.

For more information about the City of Grants Pass Fire Season regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200

HB7369

Grants Pass Fire Rescue is introducing the community's new fire engine HB7369, during a traditional ceremony known as a 'Push Back'. The event is scheduled for Friday, September 6, at 10:00 AM at the Parkway Fire Station, 800 E Park St. 

The tradition of pushing a fire truck into the station dates back to the time of horse-drawn equipment when firefighters had to push the fire pumpers into the station because horses couldn't back up the equipment. 

Grants Pass Fire acquired the new Type 3 wildland engine from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). This International cab, wildland Type 3 pumper is designed for rapid wildland fire extinguishment as well as urban response. It comes with a Waterous 1000 GPM pump, an auxiliary pump for pump and roll capabilities, and a 500-gallon water tank, making it suitable for both urban and rural calls. The engine was manufactured by Rosenbauer Emergency Vehicles. OSFM will retain ownership of the apparatus, while Grants Pass Fire will handle housing, staffing, responding, insuring, and maintaining the apparatus for three years. 

This was made possible through the Oregon State Fire Marshal Engine Program funded by Senate Bill 762, Oregon's Wildfire Omnibus Bill in 2021. Local agencies had the option to request a Type 6 wildland engine, a Type 3 wildland engine, or a tactical tender. OSFM built a total of 76 apparatuses and strategically placed them around the state. Seven of these apparatuses are coming to the Rogue Valley. Medford Fire Department, along with Jackson County Fire District 1, will be receiving a Type 6 wildland engine. Type 3 wildland engines will also be allocated to Jackson County Fire District 3, Jacksonville Fire Department, and Ashland Fire Department. Williams Rural Fire Protection District will be receiving a tactical tender.