PublicFireSafety.com Terms of Service

Last updated: November 20, 2025

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of PublicFireSafety.com, BeforeYouBurn.com, and all related applications, tools, and services (collectively, the “Service”) provided by Public Fire Safety (“we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing or using the Service, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not use the Service.

1. Purpose of the Service

Public Fire Safety provides tools that help residents and agencies:

  • View burn regulations, restrictions, and fire danger information
  • Register outdoor burning activities (when permitted)
  • Receive alerts and safety updates
  • Communicate with participating fire agencies
  • Access location-based fire-safety information

We are not a fire agency, regulatory authority, or emergency service provider. We provide information and technology to support public safety communication.

2. Eligibility

You may use the Service only if:

  • You are at least the age of majority in your jurisdiction, or have the consent of a legal guardian
  • You have authority to enter into these Terms
  • You provide accurate and complete information when creating an account or registering a burn

If you are registering a burn, you must have legal control of the property or permission from the property owner.

3. User Accounts

To access certain features, you must create an account.

You agree to:

  • Provide accurate information
  • Maintain the security of your login credentials
  • Immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account
  • Accept responsibility for all actions taken under your account

Some registered agencies may also assign roles or permissions to users within their organization.

4. Burn Registration and Safety Responsibilities

When the Service allows you to register a burn, you acknowledge:

  • You are responsible for following all local, regional, state, and federal regulations
  • Burn permissions displayed in the Service may be subject to change at any time due to weather or safety conditions
  • Agencies may close burning without prior notice
  • You must monitor conditions before and during your burn
  • You must comply with all posted safety requirements, including setback distances, weather restrictions, extinguishment deadlines, and supervision rules

The Service may deny registration in certain areas or provide referrals to local agencies. In some jurisdictions, you may be required to obtain additional approval or an on-site inspection.

5. Communication and Notifications

By using the Service, you agree that:

  • We and participating agencies may send you email, SMS, or app notifications related to safety, burn status, or account activity
  • Standard messaging rates may apply
  • Certain notifications may be required for safety or compliance

You may opt out of non-essential communications, but safety-critical messages may still be delivered.

6. Location Information

The Service uses location information to determine applicable regulations, agency jurisdiction, and fire-safety status. You agree that:

  • Entering an address or location enables us to determine which agencies and rules apply
  • Your location-based queries may be logged to improve service accuracy and agency support
  • Burn activity locations may be shared with the responsible agencies

Details on data use are contained in our Privacy Policy at:
https://publicfiresafety.com/privacy/

7. Use of the Service

You agree not to:

  • Interfere with the operation of the Service
  • Attempt to access data or systems without authorization
  • Misrepresent your identity, property ownership, or burn location
  • Upload malicious code or disrupt infrastructure
  • Use the Service for unlawful or unsafe purposes

We may suspend or terminate access for violations of these Terms.

8. Agency Users and Administrative Tools

Agencies using the Service agree to:

  • Maintain accurate zone data, burn rules, and jurisdiction boundaries
  • Review and respond to user communications as appropriate
  • Ensure that only authorized personnel access agency tools
  • Follow all applicable laws, privacy requirements, and communication standards

We may introduce additional features for agencies, including dashboards, analytics, communication tools, and automated alerts.

9. Third-Party Services

The Service uses third-party providers for:

  • Geolocation and mapping
  • Weather and hazard forecasting
  • Email and SMS delivery
  • Error logging
  • Analytics (including Google Analytics)

These providers may have their own terms and privacy policies. You agree to be bound by those terms where applicable to your use of the Service.

10. Disclaimers

The Service is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:

  • The accuracy of burn permissions, fire danger ratings, weather data, or agency information
  • That burning is safe, permitted, or advisable at any time
  • That the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or always up to date
  • That notifications will always be received or delivered

Fire conditions can change rapidly; you are solely responsible for verifying safety and legality before burning.

We are not liable for:

  • Damages caused by fire, weather, or user negligence
  • Injuries or property loss related to burning
  • Errors or omissions in agency-provided data
  • Communication failures, delays, or outages

Always contact your local fire agency with questions or emergencies. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages
  • Our total liability arising from use of the Service will not exceed fifty dollars ($50)

Some jurisdictions do not allow all limitations; in those cases, limitations apply only to the extent permitted.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Public Fire Safety, its partners, affiliates, and participating agencies from any claims arising from:

  • Your use or misuse of the Service
  • Your burn activities or location submissions
  • Violations of law or these Terms

13. Changes to the Service or Terms

We may update or modify:

  • These Terms
  • Any features or components of the Service
  • Policies or requirements related to safety and compliance

Changes take effect when posted. Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time for:

  • Violations of these Terms
  • Unsafe or unlawful behavior
  • Fraud or account misuse
  • Technical, legal, or operational reasons

You may delete your account at any time by contacting us.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Oregon, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, contact:

Public Fire Safety
Legal & Compliance
PO Box 31
Bend, Oregon 97709

Email: [email protected]