Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, Explained

What does "IFPL" mean, anyway?

Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) applies to permitted, commercial, and industrial operations on federal lands. The Mt. Hood National Forest is divided into four units, based on that area's climate and fire risk, and each unit may have a different IFPL. Current IFPLs on Mt. Hood National Forest units can be found here.

Listed below are the precaution requirements for Industrial Fire Precaution Levels.

IFPL	Description
I	Closed Season Fire precaution requirements are in effect. A Fire Watch/Security is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.
II	Partial Hootowl/Limited Shutdown The following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time: Power saws (except at loading sites) Cable yarding Blasting Welding or cutting of metal
III	Partial/Restricted Shutdown The following are prohibited, except as indicated: Cable Yarding - exception: gravity operated logging systems employing non-motorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. when all blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above the ground, except the line between the carriage and the chokers; Power Saws - exception: power saws may be used at loading sites and on tractor/skidder operations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time. In addition, the following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time: Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations where tractors, skidders or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start; Mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material; Welding or cutting of metal; Any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned.
IV	General Shutdown All operations are prohibited.

Definitions

The following definitions shall apply to these industrial fire precaution levels:

• 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

Waivers, written in advance, may be used for any and all activities. Activities for which waivers may be issued 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.

Please contact one of our district offices for more information.