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<br /> e and businesses offering special rates for prevention services, such as roof <br /> cleaning. Mr. Bass said that the department is exploring the idea of air <br /> surveillance also. <br /> Mr. Bass presented photographs of a house fire that occurred on April 25, <br /> 1992, pointing out the resulting excessive damage to the house and forest. He <br /> noted that the fire occurred outside the urban growth boundary, the roads were <br /> very narrow and steep, and water needed to be carried in trucks. He said that <br /> the fire started from recharging an electrical appliance. <br /> Mr. Bass emphasized that the entire region is experiencing a drought, and that <br /> resources are limited. He said that the department is working extensively <br /> with rural agencies to promote preventative measures. He also stressed that <br /> the department is not "stingy" with resources when a call is received. He <br /> said that it is much more productive to stop a fire in its initial stages than <br /> to underestimate its potential to spread. <br /> Mr. Bass said that the Eugene Fire Department has traditionally concentrated <br /> its training on structural fires. Currently, fire fighters are undergoing <br /> wildland fire training. He said that the department is considering utilizing <br /> helicopter companies to assist in locating spot fires, which are common among <br /> wildland fires. In response to a question from Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Bass said <br /> that "crowning" refers to fires spreading over large distances over the tops <br /> of trees, where there is little moisture. <br /> Mr. Bass presented a video that contained several examples of recent forest <br /> e fires. The video also introduced a new compressed air foam system, which <br /> promises to be much more efficient at dousing fires than water. <br /> In response to a question from Mr. Green, Mr. Bass said that the foam does no <br /> damage to homes when applied on the exterior as a preventative measure. He <br /> added that typical prevention measures damage homes and create runoff problems <br /> because toxic chemicals are used. Mr. Bass said that the City is requesting <br /> to purchase two additional compressed-air foam units. <br /> Mr. Rutan wondered whether a ban on fireworks might be appropriate this sum- <br /> mer. Mr. Gleason pointed out that such a ban is difficult to enforce if it is <br /> not statewide, and added that the 9-1-1 line would most likely be flooded with <br /> calls if such a ban were in place. Mayor Miller suggested that the City and <br /> the council encourage residents not to use fireworks in the south hills area. <br /> He added that other areas could be designated as appropriate for fireworks <br /> use. <br /> The City Council agreed, by consensus, to approve the request for $260,000 to <br /> be used for Fire and Emergency Services, as outlined in the June 12, 1992, <br /> memorandum from the City Manager. <br /> Mr. Boles expressed support for the request, but added that a long-term plan <br /> is needed. Ms. Bascom said that implementation of the Urban Forest Management <br /> Plan will offer long-term management of this issue. Ms. Ehrman supported the <br /> e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 17, 1992 Page 8 <br /> 11:30 Work Session <br />