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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Storm blows good fortune toward salmon ... 'Captain Fantastic' director coming home to Ashland ... Advocates push for action on housing costs ... Storm blows good fortune toward salmon ... 'Captain Fantastic' director coming home to Ashland ... Advocates push for action on housing costs ... ALARM BOX Outdoor fires in Ashland? Not now … really! A marshmallow roast could turn into a neighborhood conflagration Comment By Margueritte Hickman Ashland Fire & Rescue DailyTidings.com By Margueritte Hickman Ashland Fire & Rescue Posted Aug. 10, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Margueritte Hickman Ashland Fire & Rescue Posted Aug. 10, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Most summers we get to this point in the year when our weather wavers between really HOT, over 100 degrees, and manageable, in the 80s during the day. As the nighttime temperatures drop, the desire to have an outdoor fire emerges, however, in the city of Ashland, outdoor fires using wood are not permitted this time of year. Most of you are probably thinking, "Duh!" However, just last week, we went to an outdoor fire on the ground in someone’s yard. Many times people do not understand why burning is so restricted in the city. We are truly not trying to ruin everyone’s fun, but we are trying to keep the city safe. Much of Ashland is made up of small lots with houses built close together. A wood-fueled fire creates ashes and embers that can easily fly through the air, land in vegetation or on a roof and start a fire. Our location below a forest that also serves as our watershed is also a reason to be very conservative as it relates to starting fires. Once we reach high and/or extreme fire danger, using wood fueled fires outside is not permitted in Ashland. During fire season, when we are in low or moderate fire danger, and other times of the year when fire season is not in effect, outdoor wood fires are allowed but only in very specific-styled fire pits. When we are not in high or extreme fire danger, free standing, wood burning outdoor fire places are permitted to be used if they have a solid top and have side openings to load the wood or chimney-style fire pits are allowed when the chimney has a spark arrester. If you must remove a horizontal grate to place the wood on the fire, it is not permitted. Here is a link with more information about the use of an outdoor fireplace: www.ashland.or.us/outdoorfireplace Campfires located on the ground are not permitted in the city at this time. During low and moderate fire danger, campfires are permitted only in the Lithia Park fire rings and North Mountain Park fire ring. The North Mountain Park fire ring is used by permission only from the parks department for special events. The use of LPG or natural gas open flame appliances are permitted to be used year-round. There are requirements for keeping them clear of combustibles and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in order to prevent a fire. Briquettes are also permitted to be used in a barbeque listed for their use. If you use briquettes, make sure they are disposed of in a metal bucket and covered with water when you’re finished If you’re travelling to the great outdoors, be sure to check on the fire restrictions where you are going. The Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service both have restrictions on campfires. Campfires in improved campgrounds are frequently allowed year-round, but always check on the current fire restrictions. Today, campfires are prohibited in the Wild & Scenic section of the Rogue River but allowed by the Oregon Department of Forestry in designated campgrounds. Thank you for doing your part to prevent unwanted fires. Fire is everyone’s fight! The Alarm Box, a column with local public safety information, appears triweekly in the Tidings. Margueritte Hickman is a division chief/fire marshal with Ashland Fire & Rescue. Email topic suggestions to her at margueritte.hickman @ashland.or.us. By Margueritte Hickman Ashland Fire & Rescue DailyTidings.com By Margueritte Hickman Ashland Fire & Rescue Posted Aug. 10, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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