December 2018 Published by the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal

Our mission involves everyone T he polarization of the political landscape occurring throughout the county outwardly apparent this election with all the negative ads has created turmoil among the parties. This has led me to take a look at what is important and the good things that we do.  I see the challenges we have as opportunities, and look forward to them as we step up to the plate to continue working collaboratively with the fire service, our business partners, legislature, and the community in the effort to keep Oregonians safe. Our collaborative relationships with our stakeholders can provide opportunities to advance common goals and educate communities about our mission and fire safety. Our toolbox is multi-dimensional; it includes our prevention measures, emergency responders, and strong public education and outreach. As we adjust to an ever changing environment, it is even more important to reach out to our citizens and make them part of our team. One of my top priorities is developing strong, ongoing relationships with a wide range of state officials, departments, and agencies that can serve as strong allies for keeping Oregon safe.  I want to continue to strengthen and build upon the relationships we have established, as well as creating new relationships that bring value into our fire education and prevention programs. This includes expanding our fire safety inspection program and ensure that our most vulnerable population, such as schools and daycares, are safe. As well as continuing the tradition of partnerships with the Building Codes Division, building officials, and the fire service as we strive to instill a balanced approach to fire safety within the regulations, codes, and standards that are part of our statutory responsibility, and work to maintain a strong supporting presence with the state’s fire and building officials.   We will continue to move public safety forward through our Fire & Life Safety Education Branch, which has connected with new and existing partners this year who have similar goals to improve fire prevention efforts and reduce the impact of fire in Oregon. Our partnership with the American Red Cross (ARC) and their smoke alarm campaign continues to impact Oregonians by offering free installation of smoke alarms from the volunteer efforts of the ARC all across Oregon.  Additionally, the prevention team continues their partnership with Oregon State University and University of Oregon athletic programs to continue the efforts of promoting fire safety and building brand awareness. A new partnership with Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has emerged for the 2018-2019 school year. OSAA is a non-profit, board-governed organization comprised of 291 member schools, both public and private, from across Oregon.  They provide leadership and state coordination for the conduct of interscholastic activities and sponsor 116 state championships for students competing in 19 activities.  The OSFM staff will be hosting educational booths at six state championships throughout the school year with a joint commitment to promoting fire safety and education for students, athletes, families, and school staff. School administrators will also see monthly messages from the Office of State Fire Marshal in OSAA’s newsletter and we hope to reach students and fans through web banners at OSAA.org.   The hope with this partnership is to find a new way to reach youth, schools, and communities to promote safe choices in regards to fire safety. Through these partnerships, the OSFM is building a #Firesafeoregon. Contributing to the achievement of OSFM’s overall mission of, “Protecting citizens, their property, and the environment from fire hazardous materials,” the Emergency Response Services Division (ERSD) works closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Department of Environmental Quality as co-leads of Emergency Support Functions #4 (Firefighting) and #10 (Hazardous Materials) within the Oregon Emergency Operations Plan. We appreciate our relationships with Oregon Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Oregon Health Authority in partnering to address disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies for Oregon. Through ERSD’s many partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as tribal liaisons, environmental interest groups, the petrochemical industry, railroads, and the public, the OSFM has built readiness for oil and hazardous materials emergencies. The impact of the OSFM is far reaching as it touches every person who visits, lives, and works in our great state. We do not take our responsibility to serve our state lightly, and will continue to strive for sound fire prevention and working collaboratively with our partners. To anyone that has ever served within the OSFM, I want to personally thank you for all your contributions to make the OSFM a success. To our partners and stakeholders, as well as the Governor, the Governor’s office, and our public safety policy advisor Heidi Moawad, I would like to give a big shout out and thank you for all that you do to help us make Oregon a fire safe model for the country. I am always open to feedback and will continue to strive to maintain a high level of transparency in all that we do. Your comments, suggestions, and recommendations are important to our success. I am thankful for the opportunity to work and interact with so many dedicated professionals in the OSFM and OSP, as well as all our customers, partners, legislators, and other stakeholders. In the end, we must rely on our best efforts for open communication, working towards common understanding of our strategic issues, and continuing to cultivate effective relationships. I wish all of you happy holidays!

Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker

OSFM Incident Management Teams open recruitment

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Every year a tree is harvested from a National Forest in the United States to appear on the West Lawn of the US Capitol for the Christmas season. This year is the second time in the 47 year tradition that Oregon’s national forests were the hunting ground for the most perfect tree to grace our capitol. In 2002, the Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested from the Umpqua National Forest.  This year the Capitol Christmas Tree is a noble fir harvested from the Willamette National Forest, which is in the area of the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District.  The Office of State Fire Marshal was invited to the 2018 harvesting of the tree, making this the first noble Capitol Christmas Tree. The selected tree is 80 foot tall and was hand chosen by the architect of the capitol back in August of this year. The Capitol Christmas Tree will make its journey across America following the Oregon Trail, but in reverse, back to the capitol. Once it arrives, the tree will be accompanied by seventy smaller companion trees all being adorned with over 10,000 handmade ornaments donated by Oregonians. To track the Capitol Christmas Tree across our Nation to its glorious showcase in front of the US Capitol, please go to https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=663fb1506ce64151bad7769c516247b6

Holiday decorating safety

December is the time of year where a combination of cold weather and holiday festivity brings extra safety challenges. Beautiful decorations for special occasions are a holiday tradition. As seasonal decorations go up, it is important to understand that those very decorations lead to added fire risks if safety precautions are neglected or forgotten. Here are a few caring reminders to assist in making your holiday season, a season of joyful remembrance:

Before the season begins, test the operation of each smoke detector in the space. Verify and change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries. The best way to prevent a holiday tree fire is to water it well every day, place it at least three feet away from heat sources, and dispose of it soon after the holiday.  Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched, and make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree or branch before placing the tree in the stand. Break branch off to check for dryness, if brittle or if leaves or needles begin to drop off, do not hesitate, remove and dispose of the tree or branch. Make sure not to use open flame, candles, incense or smoking materials near trees, garlands or other decoration features.  Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Always use non-combustible decorative materials to decorate both outside and inside. Inspect the lighting fixture, lighting string or lighting system, even when new, before you begin to hang, drape, or string lights for frayed, cracked bare wiring, broken sockets, plugs, or empty sockets. Turn off decorative lighting when the space is vacant or when you’re away for a period of time. The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal wishes you a safe and happy holiday!

Code Corner

by OSFM Code Deputy David Mills

Portable Outdoor Gas-Fired Heating Appliances

In many parts of our country, patio heaters are being utilized in outdoor areas of restaurants, sidewalk cafes, hotel dining areas, outdoor smoking areas, and retail sites in increasing numbers. These heaters are also readily available to consumers at local home and building supply locations. Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas/propane) is often the fuel used in such appliances. In accordance with their listings, these portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances are not allowed for indoor use because they introduce unwanted combustion products into the living/occupied space—including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and water vapor—and deplete air in the space. For controlling the risks associated with outdoor portable gas-fired heating appliances, the 2014 Oregon Fire Code (OFC), Sections 603.4.2.1 through 603.4.2.3.4 provides regulations to allow for the conditional use of outdoor patio heaters and establishes general safety requirements for the storage and use of such heaters.

For controlling the risks associated with outdoor portable gas-fired heating appliances, the 2014 Oregon Fire Code (OFC), Sections 603.4.2.1 through 603.4.2.3.4 provides regulations to allow for the conditional use of outdoor patio heaters and establishes general safety requirements for the storage and use of such heaters. The storage or use of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances is prohibited in any of the following locations: Inside of any occupancy where connected to the fuel gas container. Inside of tents, canopies, and membrane structures. On exterior balconies. Units must be located at least 5 feet from buildings. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be located not less than 5 feet from buildings. Units shall not be located beneath or closer than 5 feet of combustible decorations, overhangs, awnings, sunshades, or similar combustible materials. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located beneath, or closer than 5 feet to combustible decorations and combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades or similar combustible attachments to buildings. Units shall not be located within 5 feet of an exit or exit path. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located within 5 feet of exits or exit discharges. All units must be listed and approved with space for a fuel container. Only listed and approved portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances utilizing a fuel gas container that is integral to the appliance shall be used. Units must be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be installed and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Units must have a tip over safety switch that shuts off the flow of gas if the unit is tipped more than 15 degrees from the standing position. Listed commercial portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be equipped with a tilt or tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the flow of gas if the appliance is tilted more than 15 degrees from the vertical. The heating element of the units must have a guard to prevent contact with the heat source. The heating element or combustion chamber of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be permanently guarded so as to prevent accidental contact by persons or material.  Gas containers shall be approved. Only approved DOT or ASME gas containers shall be used.  Gas containers in heating devices shall not be changed in a location where the public is present. Replacement of fuel gas containers in portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be conducted while the public is present.  Gas containers cannot exceed 20 pounds in capacity. The maximum individual capacity of gas containers used in connection with portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not exceed 20 pounds. Gas containers cannot be stored inside buildings. Gas containers shall not be stored inside of buildings except as outlined in OFC Section 6109. LP-gas containers should be securely stored to protect against tampering. Additional vehicle impact protection may be required by OFC and NFPA 58. LP-gas containers shall be stored within a suitable enclosure or otherwise protected against tampering. When required, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with OFC and/or NFPA 58.   Outdoor patio heaters shall not be used indoors, as every owner's manual will state. The importance of maintaining the OFC’s minimum clearances and manufacturer's recommended clearance from combustible materials cannot be overstated. Outdoor propane heaters offer the convenience of portability and mobility and although moving them appears to be a simple task, moving a propane outdoor heater and/or propane cylinder while in use is not safe. The reason for this is that consumer LP Gas cylinders are designed for vapor service when used in this capacity. Moving them while in use can cause liquid propane to enter the hose and burners, creating a potentially unsafe situation. Outdoor propane heaters should be turned off and disconnected prior to relocation.

Data Connection

News from the Analytics & Intelligence Unit by Fire Data Research Analyst Kayla Brookshire

Analytics & Intelligence has exciting news to share regarding the Elite transition!

Since last month, the agencies using Elite have increased to 112, an increase of over 8 percentage points! If your agency is one of the 60 agencies below still using Oregon Fire Bridge TM, please give us a call at 503-934-8250 or send us an email at osfm.data@state.or.us to begin the process of transitioning to Elite as soon as possible. Our deadline for the transition is December 31st, 2018. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us meet this deadline, as it is critical for us to have all of the data in one system for efficient data retrieval and accurate data analysis.

Is My Agency’s NFIRS Legacy Data in Elite? If you are a current Elite user, your NFIRS legacy data from Oregon Fire Bridge TM will be available a few days after you have walked through your legacy data import. To check and see if your NFIRS legacy data is available in the new system, click the Incidents dropdown tab on the toolbar, then click View Existing Fire on the lefthand side (see the image below).

Once you get to your incident list, 1) clear out the Incident Date boxes. 2) click the Go button. 3) Once your incidents appear in the list, click the Incident Date heading to see your oldest available incident reports.

If your incidents from Oregon Fire Bridge TM do not show up in this list, please contact Analytics & Intelligence and we can assist you with migrating your legacy data. The process is very similar to the process you followed in the agency migration wizard. It will require less than 15 minutes of your time to set up the migration. Once you get the data migration started, the rest will happen automatically. The system will run in the background to copy over all of your Oregon Fire Bridge TM data over the course of several days—no need to even have your browser open once you’ve started the process.

Data in Action – How does OSFM Use NFIRS Data? Here at OSFM, we use the combined or aggregated data from all agencies’ NFIRS reports to learn about the fire problem in Oregon. We are able to use the NFIRS data to answer some of the following questions:

The time spent entering NFIRS data serves an important purpose, as this information is used to inform our education and prevention programs at the state level. Accurate NFIRS data is vital to ensuring that our evidence-based programs are successful. This data ensures that we are focusing our resources on areas that will have the greatest impact. Your agencies’ NFIRS data also gets submitted to the national U.S. Fire Administration database, which is used to put together the picture of the national fire problem, along with other states’ data. We release a yearly Supplement that contains the data used to answer the above questions (and much more!), available on the web for the fire service and the public to access. The Supplement report can currently be found beside the Annual Reports at the following link: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/pages/reports_statistics.aspx . NRS is Important—How do I report No Runs to Submit in Elite? Even if your agency has no runs to submit for a given month, this is an important piece of information to capture. In Elite, simply navigate to your agency dropdown in the top left of the Elite toolbar, select the Agency Information link, and then navigate to the No Incidents to Report tab. For a month with no runs to submit, simply click the + New button under the No Fire Incidents heading. This will let us know that we are not missing your agencies’ data, that your NFIRS reports are up-to-date and in compliance with statute, and that your agency is eligible for grant applications.

Review of Non-Retail Fueling Program

This past summer the OSFM Regulatory Services Division (RSD) conducted a complete review of the Non-Retail Fueling (cardlock) program to make sure it is still in line with statutory language, up to date with industry needs, and operating effectively. The project consisted of reviewing all of our internal and external documents, our forms, our procedures, and our practices. We also made several amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rules. We engaged with our stakeholders in June to hear their perspective of the program, our processes, and to receive input about the proposed rule amendments. As a result of the review, we updated the Operator Guidebook and other tools for operators. We also updated procedures and several other internal documents. Some of the more substantial amendments made to the Administrative Rules include provisions for self-serve of Class 1 Flammable liquids in Eastern Oregon low population counties as a result of House Bill 2482, codifying the requirements for facility inspections and audits of customer records, clarification of the violation classes, as well as the penalties for each class and the penalty suspension criteria. The rules became effective on October 19, 2018. Thank you to all the operators who participated in the project and the stakeholder group for the extra time they took to help guide the direction of the program. A special thanks to the OSFM staff who completed much of the work for this project while still completing their usual duties in addition to supporting OSFM’s responses to multiple wild fires this year.

OSFM Task Force Leader Symposium

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