Rural Metro Fire says outdoor dining materials could cause fire concern

Jenna King February 25, 2021

Last Updated: February 25, 2021

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. —Many businesses are working to create comfortable outdoor seating areas for their guests.

Josephine County Rural Metro Fire says heaters and temporary walls could cause fire concerns.

It says when portable heating is used, it produces a hot element or open flame, and the chance for a fire is greatly increased.

It says many of the items used for pop-up dining is potentially flammable.

“They’re just trying to do their best to make ends meet in a hard time and they may not see the potential for a hazard,” says Rich Holloway, Rural Metro Fire Marshal.

Rural Metro’s Fire Prevention Division is asking all residents and business owners to carefully review their area separation materials and heat sources.

Holloway says making sure smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are working, is also important.

Jenna King February 25, 2021

Jenna King

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Jenna King is the 6pm and 11pm anchor for NBC5 News. Jenna is a Burbank, CA native. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Sports Business. During her time at Oregon she was part of the student-run television station, Duck TV. She also grew her passion for sports through her internship with the PAC 12 Network. When Jenna is not in the newsroom you can find her rooting for her hometown Dodgers, exploring the outdoors or binging on the latest Netflix release.