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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 7, 2020)
The Columbia Press August 7, 2020 3 New burn rules go into effect this month Man rescued after being trapped in burning home The Columbia Press Warrenton has new rules for outdoor burning. The new ordinance, which goes into effect at the end of this month, requires per- mits for everything except barbecues and recreational fires in small backyard fire pits. Those using burn barrels or setting fire to debris piles must follow more stringent rules and face fines for fail- ing to obtain a permit. “A burn pile is very dif- ferent, in my mind, than a burn barrel,” Mayor Henry Balensifer said, when the topic of permit fees came up at the July 28 City Com- mission meeting. Burn permits will be is- sued on a yearly basis af- ter the fire department has made an onsite inspection. Burn barrel permits are $25; burn pile permits are $50 per year. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the new rules. “I think it fosters people being responsible,” Com- missioner Tom Dyer said. A review of the city’s rules arose last year after a developer sent smoke through the city one week- end by burning felled trees in large slash piles when there was an atmospheric inversion layer. Permit holders are required to call Warrenton Fire De- partment (503-861-2494) to check on weather conditions for safe burning and other environmental conditions that could affect air quality. Other rules include: • Debris-pile burns must be no larger than 10 feet across and 4 feet high. • Burn barrels must be 55-gallon capacity or small- er and be covered with mesh that has holes no larger than a half-inch. • A minimum of 50 feet is required between an open fire and any structure; 20 feet is required for burn barrels. • Burning of painted wood, plywood, food waste, tires, composition roofing or siding, plastic foam, rub- ber, plastics, paints, poly- ethylene- or hydrocarbon products, and things with objectionable odors are prohibited. • All burning must be at- tended by an adult. • The burning of logging slash is prohibited, and the burning of trees and debris for development of a site is prohibited. • Burning of debris from a commercial business or jobsite is prohibited. • Debris can’t be hauled from one lot to another for burning. Woman killed running across Highway 101 A Seaside woman was killed late Thursday, July 30, when she ran across Highway 101 in front of traffic, State Police reported. Rachel Faith McCune, 35, was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident was re- ported at 9:30 p.m. at Sham- rock Road in Gearhart. Aaron M. Harris, 29, of Cannon Beach told officers he was driving north and slowed when he spotted McCune crossing from the west side of the highway, according to a media release. Suddenly, the woman ran into his lane and he attempted to swerve to avoid her. But his vehicle struck the woman and then spun out of control, coming to rest side- ways in the northbound lane. The northbound lane was closed for three hours and traffic was detoured during the investigation. The woman’s car was found parked on Shamrock Road. A resident trapped in his burning home was rescued by firefighters early Wednes- day morning. The fire at Kampers West RV Park, 1140 N.W. Warrenton Drive, was reported at 2:45 a.m. in the manager’s house, which was occupied at the time by a park employee. When firefighters arrived, bystanders told them the oc- cupant was missing and pos- sibly inside, Warrenton Fire Chief Brian Alsbury said. Firefighters went into res- cue mode and found the man, who was in his 30s or 40s, in a bedroom behind a closed door. They were able to get the man outside, where a Me- dix Ambulance was waiting. He was taken to Columbia Memorial Hospital for treat- ment of smoke inhalation and possibly transferred later to a Portland-area hospital, Alsbury said. Once the victim was res- cued, the fire was quickly brought under control. “It was a great outcome,” Alsbury said. “We had two guys who did an excellent job and rescued somebody – and it’s not every day that hap- pens. These guys did a great job.” Cause of the fire was un- der investigation, but did not appear to be suspicious, the chief said. Damage was contained to the kitchen and dining area, which was a total loss, plus smoke throughout the house. Mutual aid was provided by fire departments from Asto- ria, Knappa-Svenson-Burn- side, Olney-Walluski, Lewis & Clark, and Gearhart. We’re online at thecolumbiapress.com. You’ll find expanded stories, more photos and a place to pay for subscriptions.
