DESCHUTES COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS ANNOUNCE TEMPORARY BURNING CLOSURE STARTING APRIL 10
News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network
Deschutes County Fire Chiefs are temporarily closing outdoor burning as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Outdoor burning will close at sunset on Friday, April 10, 2020.
Crook and Jefferson County burning regulations remain unchanged, residents can check with their local jurisdictions.
Outdoor burning restrictions may be lifted if impacts of the COVID-19 virus subside before fire season begins.
The decision to temporarily close outdoor burning was not easy for local fire officials. The health benefits for vulnerable populations were considered along with the need to encourage people to reduce combustible vegetation around their homes. At the end of the day, the health and safety of Deschutes County residents was determined to be the most important consideration at this time. Fire Chiefs consulted with officials at the Deschutes County Emergency Operations Center as well as regional wildfire protection agencies, including the Oregon Department of Forestry, before making the final decision.
Deschutes County Fire Defense Board Chief Mike Supkis said, “We are preparing for a potential increase in emergency response activity in the coming weeks. We want to ensure we have enough firefighter paramedics available to care for residents who become sick.”
Most Deschutes County fire departments also provide ambulance transport services. If firefighter paramedics are responding to burning complaints or escaped controlled burns, responses to medical emergencies could be slowed.
Chief Supkis encourages Deschutes County residents to contact their local fire department if they have any questions about the closure.
ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109
Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.
Crook and Jefferson County burning regulations remain unchanged, residents can check with their local jurisdictions.
Outdoor burning restrictions may be lifted if impacts of the COVID-19 virus subside before fire season begins.
The decision to temporarily close outdoor burning was not easy for local fire officials. The health benefits for vulnerable populations were considered along with the need to encourage people to reduce combustible vegetation around their homes. At the end of the day, the health and safety of Deschutes County residents was determined to be the most important consideration at this time. Fire Chiefs consulted with officials at the Deschutes County Emergency Operations Center as well as regional wildfire protection agencies, including the Oregon Department of Forestry, before making the final decision.
Deschutes County Fire Defense Board Chief Mike Supkis said, “We are preparing for a potential increase in emergency response activity in the coming weeks. We want to ensure we have enough firefighter paramedics available to care for residents who become sick.”
Most Deschutes County fire departments also provide ambulance transport services. If firefighter paramedics are responding to burning complaints or escaped controlled burns, responses to medical emergencies could be slowed.
Chief Supkis encourages Deschutes County residents to contact their local fire department if they have any questions about the closure.
ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109
Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
Contact: Mike Supkis Fire Chief, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes County Fire Defense Board Chief, 541-536-2935
Contact: Mike Supkis Fire Chief, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes County Fire Defense Board Chief, 541-536-2935
