Forest Lakes Fire District

Effective 6/3/02

To ensure the safety of the community and adjacent property owners, use of gasoline chain saws during times of extreme fire danger and other dangerous conditions may be restricted by the Forest Lakes Fire Department. The Forest Lakes Fire Department recognizes the necessary use of chain saws to reduce wildland fuels in our community; however, a quandary exists during times of extreme fire danger in that this fuel reduction effort is hampered by the very conditions which necessitate it. 

When conditions permit, as determined by FLFD, gasoline chain saws may be operated within Forest Lakes under the following guidelines:

• During the morning hours until 12:00 p.m., when sustained winds are below 10 mph, and the humidity level is above 15%, chain saws may be used if certain safety precautions are taken.
   
• In accordance with U.S. Forest Service policy, all chainsaws must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor/muffler. Saws may be brought in to the Forest Lakes Fire Department during normal business hours to be inspected and approved.
   
• Property owners and contractors must notify the Fire Department office at 535-4644 with your name and lot number prior to beginning sawing operations so we may be prepared in the event of a problem. You are required to speak with a "live" individual, hence you can do so by pressing - 0 - on your touch-tone telephone keypad to speak with an operator during normal business hours. If you will be cutting on the weekend, please call our main number, 535-4644, and then press '*711' on your keypad, then the '1' key; this will connect you to one of our dispatchers who can assist with your request to use your chainsaw.
   
• If sustained winds rise above 10 mph, or if other conditions develop such as a water emergency, you must cease sawing operations immediately.
   
• You must have a charged water hose at hand when using a chain saw during hazardous periods. Wet down the area before and after use to assure sparks don't ignite dry vegetation.
   
• Don't attempt to refuel a hot chain saw. Many fires have been caused when fuel spills are ignited by hot engines and mufflers.
   
• Don't set a hot saw in dry grass or needles. These can be easily ignited.
   
• The use of saw chaps, gloves, helmets, full face shields, and hearing protection is strongly recommended for your safety. Don't let yourself be lulled into a false sense of security because you've never been injured before. Chain saw injuries occur instantaneously and are usually severe.
   
• The Fire Chief or designated Fire Officers are authorized by the Forest Lakes Fire Board and the State of Arizona to determine fire conditions within the Forest Lakes Fire District and may establish restrictions.
   
• Local wind speed will be determined by the anemometer at the Forest Lakes Fire Department.
   
• Use of chain saws and other machinery is inherently dangerous and risky. Remember, in all cases you are responsible for any damage done to your property or that of your neighbors. If your activities result in fire on your or your neighbor's property, you are also liable for any suppression costs.

STAY SAFE!