The Popular Power Tool You Shouldn't Use During A Fire Ban

The term "fire ban" implies pretty clearly that you should not start a fire, but that is not the only activity you need to avoid on days that are hot, dry, and windy. When the conditions create a high-risk environment for wildfires, the Bureau of Land Management will impose restrictions on activities that increase the likelihood of a wildfire starting. It is the responsibility of each individual to know the fire restriction stage and what activities need to be avoided during each stage to prevent damage to the environment and protect your home against fires if one catches. Understanding the banned activities may require some research, since not all of them are intuitive. For example, you may be surprised to learn that using power tools, such as a chainsaw, is not allowed in a stage two fire ban.

Fire bans often occur in late summer or during droughts, but they can be declared at any time, so it is important to have a good understanding of them. There are often two stages of fire restrictions. The first stage indicates a risk for wildfires and bans the most dangerous activity, which is building or interacting with a campfire, stove fire, or any other fire. Smoking may also be restricted in some areas. Stage two indicates a greater risk, and this is where power tools get banned, along with off-road driving and parking, using explosives, welding, and smoking, if it was not already restricted in stage one. Some stage two restrictions are only enforced between certain hours, such as between 9 am and 6 pm, and bans will vary based on your state and exact location.

There are plenty of dangerous mistakes you should never make when using a chainsaw, and using one during a fire restriction is yet another. Gas-powered chainsaws have internal combustion engines that are full of fuel, often heat up with use, and create friction when sawing. Between the potential for the flammable fuel to leak out and the chance that the machine could generate the heat and friction for a spark, using a chainsaw is not a good idea. Even if no fires are started, you could face a Class B misdemeanor charge, a fine of up to $5,000, and even jail time if you are caught performing banned actions.

If you need to use a power tool to cut down trees in your yard, or for another purpose, you do have some options. Your area may only restrict use during the hottest part of the day, meaning that you could use your chainsaw during the early morning or evening. Be sure to check for other rules for use, though, as requiring a working spark arrester and fire extinguisher is common. Spark arresters are mechanical devices that prevent fires by snuffing out sparks from internal combustion engines. Another safer option is to use an electric chainsaw. While still prohibited during stage two fire bans, if there are safe times to use chainsaws, opting for one without an internal combustion engine can be safer and may even be exclusively allowed in your area. Fire prevention knowledge is important, so be sure to research thoroughly before bringing out your power tools.