A group of fire community safety volunteers met with the Parks Dept. and the Fire Dept. today.
Six years ago representatives from the fire community met with the Parks Dept. and Fire Dept. to put in place the Portland C7 fire performance guidelines, which has been a model for many other major cities. To be within these guidelines we must have the permission of the venue's property owner... in this case the Parks Dept. At the start, the Parks Dept. allowed the Sunday Fire Jam, and have since thought the event had dissipated... within the last two years a new 'no flame' ordinance has been added to public parks. With the Parks Dept.'s current knowledge of the event and with the new 'no open flame' ordinance, they will be shutting down the long running PDX Fire Jam. This will have a big effect on the fire community here in Portland. It's sad on so many levels that this iconic Portland event will be shut down. We are hopeful though, as both the Parks Dept. and the Fire Dept. have promised to work with us in figuring out alternatives and solutions for the Portland fire community.
What I find of interest:
There was a representative from both the fire community and the Parks Dept. that were from the original group who met 6 years ago. In my opinion the Parks Dept. seemed willing to work with us, but could only issue us an event permit since fire performing is in violation of the 'no open flame' ordinance. Where as a pinkie permit from the Fire Dept. is free, an even permit from the Parks Dept. is far from it. It would require the permit fee as well as additional services such as security.
The Fire Dept. bringing up a certification process for fire performers, much like a drivers license or gun safety course.
References made in comparison to the Burnside Skatepark where there is a public park location with a very specific purpose and circumstances. www.skateoregon.com/Burnside...side.html
Six years ago representatives from the fire community met with the Parks Dept. and Fire Dept. to put in place the Portland C7 fire performance guidelines, which has been a model for many other major cities. To be within these guidelines we must have the permission of the venue's property owner... in this case the Parks Dept. At the start, the Parks Dept. allowed the Sunday Fire Jam, and have since thought the event had dissipated... within the last two years a new 'no flame' ordinance has been added to public parks. With the Parks Dept.'s current knowledge of the event and with the new 'no open flame' ordinance, they will be shutting down the long running PDX Fire Jam. This will have a big effect on the fire community here in Portland. It's sad on so many levels that this iconic Portland event will be shut down. We are hopeful though, as both the Parks Dept. and the Fire Dept. have promised to work with us in figuring out alternatives and solutions for the Portland fire community.
What I find of interest:
There was a representative from both the fire community and the Parks Dept. that were from the original group who met 6 years ago. In my opinion the Parks Dept. seemed willing to work with us, but could only issue us an event permit since fire performing is in violation of the 'no open flame' ordinance. Where as a pinkie permit from the Fire Dept. is free, an even permit from the Parks Dept. is far from it. It would require the permit fee as well as additional services such as security.
The Fire Dept. bringing up a certification process for fire performers, much like a drivers license or gun safety course.
References made in comparison to the Burnside Skatepark where there is a public park location with a very specific purpose and circumstances. www.skateoregon.com/Burnside...side.html
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Portland
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Re: Meeting with the Parks Dept. and Fire Dept.
Fri, April 25, 2008 - 12:40 AMAng, thanks for summarizing.
First, Parks and Rec and the fire department had been informed about the concerns on the Eastbank Esplanade some time ago; how and why was not clear since they seemed somewhat unaware themselves. We provided a clearer picture though I think we all agree they are still somewhat oblivious of the extent of the fire communities involvement and that of the other groups who are active at the location.
Second, a lot was discussed during this meeting, and we had an opportunity to share some history, offer our observations and our purpose for providing the fire safety infrastructure, and even expressed our concerns surrounding stopping the fire jam.
It came down to the Parks Dept two year old "no flame ordinance". It's impossible for us to challenge as it stands. Even Cary, (PP&R permitting dept) who worked with Shireen on this many years ago attempted to find some way for us to work with it, but the provision is immutable. We are volunteers and not leaders of an organization, and the Fire Jam is an entity unto itself - they will soon find out.
Like I wrote in response to the other post, I'm proud of the intense dedication that this small group of volunteers exhibited these past weeks. Our efforts were not in vein. Though the jam is being shut down by the parks and rec, we have established a foundation to begin a new conversation. They are open to this discussion. -
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Re: Meeting with the Parks Dept. and Fire Dept.
Fri, April 25, 2008 - 11:54 AMI would point out that they were happy, and ARE happy, to offer us a permit to get around the "no open flame" rule. Whenever we want it.
To get a permit, they need:
a signed permit holder
$130 minimum (more for bigger events)
an insurance policy.
So Fire Jame can continue as soon as we are ready to organize the event, control the illegal drinking, stop people from spinning dangerously/illegally, and have an insurance policy. And pay for it.
;-b
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