Smoking banned on Eugene's hiking trails
EUGENE, Ore. -- Fliers were posted at trail heads all over the city last week to inform hikers that The City of Eugene has temporarily issued a ban of smoking on all trails within city limits.
The ban was instituted because of the hot, dry temperatures that caused the Forest Service to put the region at a high risk of forest fire.
It comes at a time when most of the state is under a red flag fire warning. The city feels that weather conditions make for a high risk of wildfires that could be sparked by hot ashes or smoldering cigarette butts.
Eugene's current code does not prohibit smoking in public parks and trails, however they reserve the right to expand the list of locations that restrict smoking.
Some Oregon towns and cities have issued bans on smoking in parks.
I was against smoking bans and raising cigarette taxes until I switched to electronic cigarettes. Now I don't have to worry, I can use my e-cig anywhere. No second hand smoke, no smell, no smoking bans, no cigarette taxes and no forrest fires. http://www.savecig.com
I can't say that I disagree with the hopefully temporary ban on smoking on the trails with it being so dangerous at this point in time. We will see there total intent when the danger no longer exists. Government as it is today in Oregon would make smoking unlawful, however they just can't bring themselves to cope with the loss of revenue that would create.
This is kudicrous. Please, city of Eugene, point to JUST ONE instance in the past 20 years, of a fire started by a smoker on a trail inside city limits. Just one.
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Another case of creating a "feel good" law that is completely useless.
"however they reserve the right..." To take away your rights.