Grants Pass adopts emergency ordinance restricting open flames, allowing seizure of dangerous propane devices and expanding park exclusions

The Grants Pass City Council unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance that tightens rules on open flames and flammable materials in city parks, gives law enforcement authority to seize and destroy contraband propane tanks and devices connected to flammable fuels, and expands temporary park-exclusion periods.

City staff presented a rewrite of Municipal Code section 5.57.0.2 to clarify definitions of 'flammable materials' and 'cooking or heating devices' and to classify devices connected to flammable fuels as contraband when used outside designated areas. Staff said the changes respond to enforcement difficulties in the court system and to public-safety risks posed by substandard or improperly refilled propane equipment.

Under the adopted changes to section 6.46.0.35, the first exclusion from a park within a one-year period would be 30 days, a second exclusion from the same park within a year would be 90 days, and a third exclusion would be six months. The council included an amendment clarifying seizure would apply only to devices 'connected to or containing flammable materials.'

Police leadership told the council the tool is needed to protect parks and people after multiple incidents and said the department treats all individuals with dignity while enforcing public-safety rules. Public commenters worried the changes could be used to deter or criminalize people experiencing homelessness in parks; councilors said the intent is public safety, not targeting vulnerable people.

Ending: The council adopted the ordinance on first and second readings as amended and declared an emergency so the rules take immediate effect.