Robert Miller

Chief of Fire District 4

P.O. Box 1400

Shady Cove, Or. 97539

ref:  Letter addressed to Smurzynski, (C: to you) dated 6-03-02 and letter of 6-06-02.

Dear Chief Miller,

            This letter is to both confirm our telephone conversation this afternoon and to follow up on my complaint.

Upon returning from a meeting this afternoon, I witnessed and videotaped an employee of the Shady Cove Public Works Department operating a gasoline powered weed eater in apparent violation of state fire laws.  The machine operation was on Train Lane city property between tax lots 1500 and 1600 long after 1:30 PM.  I acknowledge your mention of a waiver possibly being issued, (to which I express doubt) but my video will confirm that fire suppressant apparatus was not on the scene as required by a waiver after 11:00 AM. The ongoing Colorado and Arizona fires are stark examples of what can happen when these laws are violated.  It appears that similar to the two referenced fires, our public employees consider themselves immune from the fire laws.  The city is endangering our lives and property by their blatant disregard of fire restrictions.

           I again remind you that the mayor of Shady Cove has assigned Fire District #4 to enforce the weed abatement ordinance (165). and that the two reference letters called for weed removal before the fire restrictions were elevated.  Although your assignment to enforce a city ordinance is yet to be legitimized, it is your responsibility to instruct and penalize any violators of the fire restrictions, even when it is the city.

            In summation, the fire hazard weeds should be removed for everyone’s safety but must be accomplished as approved by law even if that means the city must pay the fire district a standby fee during weed removal. We deserve the protection from fire law violation even when it is politically uncomfortable to provide that protection.

            Very Sincerely,

            Leslie K. Weaver

C:     Rogue Forum.