GP Fire Officials Encourage Safety for Citywide Independence Day Celebrations
Grants Pass Fire & Rescue wants everyone to enjoy their Independence Day celebration safely. According to fire officials, only Oregon-safe fireworks are allowed within the city limits of Grants Pass today from 6 to 11 p.m. only. Fireworks are not allowed in the area west of NW Highland Avenue and Dimmick Street, north of the railroad tracks, all areas north of Interstate 5, all city parks and all public schools. The use of all fireworks is prohibited within Grants Pass when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for Fire Zone 620. To safely enjoy fireworks, citizens are encouraged to attend the public display at Reinhart Volunteer Park. If you choose to set off fireworks at home, please follow these safety steps: Never give fireworks to small children and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, flammable materials or flammable vegetation. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Keep a water supply close by. Be sure the person lighting the fireworks always wears eye protection. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a "dud." Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Keep pets indoors as exposure to fireworks may result in severe burns or trauma. Fire officials encourage residents to have a safe and happy Independence Day! ...Read more

High Fire Danger on Medford BLM District Lands Prompts Public Use Restrictions
As the weather continues to warm and fire danger increases, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management has increased public use restrictions on the lands it manages in Southern Oregon. Effectively immediately, certain activities on BLM lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will be restricted to prevent human-caused fires and to reduce wildfire potential. Campfires are only allowed at the Hyatt Lake Campground and the lower section of the Rogue River below the high-water mark. In all other areas, visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire -- including the use of charcoal briquettes -- is banned. Operating a motor vehicle and parking off-road -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- is only allowed on roadways clear of flammable vegetation. Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation. Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to one year. ...Read more

Proposed Rate Increase by American Medical Response Denied by Commissioners

A proposed rate increase by Josephine County's designated ambulance service provider was denied by the Board of Commissioners on Thursday. American Medical Response requested an 8% increase to their "all-inclusive" base rates along with an additional mileage adjustment. But when Board Chair Andreas Blech asked for a motion to approve the request, no motion was made. The Commissioners unanimously approved an order delegating signing authority for airport lease agreements to the Airport Director. The agreements often must be signed quickly such as for the temporary use of the Grants Pass and Illinois Valley airfields for deploying firefighting aircraft. The Board will continue to maintain oversight on all other major airport decisions. In other business, the Board denied a fee waiver for an unspecified public records request and the topic of Airports General Fund Support was tabled until the next Weekly Business Session. Next Thursday's meeting was canceled due to a lack of a quorum, so the next business session will occur on Thursday, July 17th. ...Read more