Industrial Fire Precaution Levels
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, referred to as IFPLs, apply to permitted, commercial, and industrial operations on federal land. IFPLs also apply to firewood cutting.
The Mt. Hood National Forest is divided into four protection units, based on that area's climate and fire risk, and each unit may have a different IFPL.
Current Industrial Fire Precaution Levels on Mt. Hood National Forest
Protection Unit | IFPL | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
Barlow & Hood River Ranger Districts | 1 | 09/17/2024 |
Clackamas River & Zigzag Ranger Districts | 1 | 09/17/2024 |
Bull Run Watershed | 1 | 09/17/2024 |
Hood River Ranger District | 1 | 09/17/2024 |
What are Industrial Fire Precaution Levels?
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels are stages of restrictions that apply to work activities, including personal firewood cutting, on Forest Service or BLM lands in order to reduce the risk of a wildfire igniting. There are four IFPLs that begin with Level 1 at the start of the “closed fire season,” and can go as high as Level 4 if conditions warrant. The IFPL restricts certain operations as fire danger increases. There are no precautions prior to the closed fire season. Each IFPL adds to the restrictions applicable to all lower levels.
It is the responsibility of the individual operating on public lands to know the precaution level for the day and to take the correct fire precautions.
Waivers, written in advance, may be granted for any and all activities, including mechanized loading and hauling, road maintenance, cable yarding, use of power saws and equipment maintenance (other than metal cutting and welding).
If you have further questions about IFPL regulations, please call one of our local Forest Services offices.
| IFPL | Description |
|---|---|
1 | Closed SeasonFire precaution requirements are in effect. A Fire Watch/Security is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived. |
2 | Partial Hootowl/Limited ShutdownThe following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:
|
3 | Partial/Restricted ShutdownThe following are prohibited, except as indicated:
In addition, the following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:
|
4 | General ShutdownALL OPERATIONS ARE PROHIBITED. |
The following definitions apply to IFPLs:
- Loading sites: A place where any product or material (including, but not limited to logs, firewood, slash, soil, rock, poles, etc.) is placed in or upon a truck or other vehicle.
- Cable yarding systems: A yarding system employing cables, and winches in a fixed position.
- Low hazard area: Any area where the responsible agency representative determines the combination of elements reduces the probability of fire starting and/or spreading.
- Closed season (fire precautionary period): That season of the year when a fire hazard exists as declared by the responsible agency official.
Waivers, written in advance, may be used for any and all activities. Example activities include:
- mechanized loading and hauling
- road maintenance such as sprinkling, graveling, grading and paving
- cable yarding using gravity systems or suspended lines and blocks, or other yarding systems where extra prevention measures will significantly reduce the risk of fire
- power saws at loading sites or in felling and bucking where extra prevention measures will significantly reduce the risk of fire
- maintenance of equipment (other than metal cutting and welding) or improvements such as structures, fences, and powerlines.