Burning Ban Continued to Mid October
The fall outdoor burning season is expected to open on Friday, Oct. 13 for many Lane County residents. The season, originally set to start Oct. 1, has been delayed. The Lane County Fire Defense Board decided to postpone the opening of the season due to the drier weather conditions and heightened fire danger still present in parts of Lane County.
LRAPA spokesperson Jo Niehaus says the fire dangers have not yet been reduced enough to open the season on time and it is something they look at closely before moving forward. It is not unusual to delay the start of outdoor burning season especially after a very dry summer.
Outdoor burning, also known as open or backyard burning, allows some Lane County residents to burn dry woody yard debris that was generated on their own residential property. Recent rule changes in the last year include the prohibition of burning on properties less than 2 acres inside the Eugene Urban Growth Boundary. Lane Regional Air Protection Agency reminds residents that rules differ throughout the county, with some cities banning burning within city limits all together. Violation of outdoor burning rules can result in stiff fines. Residents should call LRAPA’s outdoor burning advisory line at (541)-726-3976 before burning to check eligibility.
Due to the heavy wildfire smoke intrusions this summer, LRAPA encourages residents to explore alternative options to burning. Residents can dispose of woody yard debris for a minimal charge at one of Lane County’s various collection depots. Chipping and composting are also alternative options to burning.
Florence Man Charged In Stabbing
A Florence man was arrested Sunday and charged with attempted murder, first degree assault and strangulation. Lane county sheriff’s department responded to a report of a stabbing near the Walton Post Office. A 42 year old Florence woman was transported to receive medical attention for multiple stab wounds. The suspect was identified as 56 year old David Lucius of Florence. He fled the area headed eastbound on 126. He was spotted a short time later in a white PT Cruiser by Jackson County Sheriffs. On interstate 5 about 40 miles north of the California border. Lucius was taken into custody by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Oregon State Police and the Central Point Police Department, after spike strips were used to disable his vehicle on Interstate 5 just south of where he was first spotted. Lucius was transported back to Eugene Sunday night and lodged at the Lane County Jail. Initial investigation indicates that the victim and suspect knew each other, but the details of what led to the stabbing are still being determined.
Hazardous Waste Round-Up
This Friday and Saturday is the weekend for hazardous waste disposal in Florence. Items like paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products and other hazardous waste can be disposed of free of charge. There is a limit of 35 gallons in total from each household and for safety they ask that you keep those items separate to avoid chemicals spilling and mixing together. Do not bring asbestos items, empty containers, pressurized containers, drums or radioactive waste. You can drop items off on Friday from noon to 5 and Saturday from 8-2 at the Florence Transfer site 2820 north rhododendron.
