OAR 340-266-0120: Propane Flaming

(1) The use of propane flamers, mobile field sanitizing devices, and other field sanitation methods specifically approved by the Department are subject to the following conditions: (a) The field shall first be prepared as follows: (A) Either the field must have previously been open burned and the appropriate fees paid; or (B) The field stubble must be flail-chopped, mowed, or otherwise cut close to the ground and the loose straw removed so the remaining stubble will not sustain an open fire. (b) Propane flaming operations shall comply with the following criteria: (A) Unless otherwise specifically restricted by the Department propane flaming may be conducted only between the hours of 9 a.m. and sunset between June 1 and August 31 of each year and 9 a.m. to 1/2 hour before sunset between September 1 and October 14 of each year; (B) Propane flamers shall be operated in overlapping strips, crosswise to the prevailing wind, beginning along the downwind edge of the field; (C) No person shall cause or allow propane flaming which results in sustained open fire. Should sustained open fire create excessive smoke all flame and smoke sources shall be immediately and actively extinguished; (D) No person shall cause or allow any propane flaming which results in visibility impairment on any Interstate highways or roadways specified in OAR 837-110-0080(1) and (2). Should visibility impairment occur, all flame and smoke sources shall be immediately and actively extinguished; (E) The acreage must be registered and permits obtained pursuant to OAR 340-266-0050; (F) No person shall cause or allow propane flaming when either the relative humidity at the nearest reliable measuring station exceeds 65 percent or the surface winds exceed 15 miles per hour; (G) All regrowth over eight inches in height shall be mowed or cut close to the ground and removed. (c) All propane flaming operations shall be conducted in accordance with the State Fire Marshal’s safety requirements specified in OAR 837-110-0100 through 837-110-0160; (d) No person shall cause or allow to be initiated or maintained any propane flaming or other mobile fire sanitation methods not certified by the Department on any day or at any time if the Department has determined and notified the State Fire Marshal that propane flaming is prohibited because of adverse meteorological or air quality conditions. (2) The Department may issue restrictive limitations on the amount, density or frequency of propane flaming or other mobile fire sanitation methods in any area when meteorological conditions are unsuitable for adequate smoke dispersion, or deterioration of ambient air quality occurs.