Wildfire experts have forecast a late start to the fire season of possibly three weeks to a month. But whenever fire activity picks up, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will be ready. ODF enters the season with all of the moving parts in place: a full complement of fire engines, fire hand crews, helicopters and heavy air tankers, as well as three specially trained teams on call to manage large wildfires.
While the Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, rural fire departments and other state, local and federal fire agencies have their respective jurisdictions, cooperation is second nature. A longstanding “closest-forces” agreement provides for rapid initial attack on new fires by whichever agency’s firefighting resources can get there the fastest. Billings and reimbursements are sorted out later.
Urban sprawl into forested areas has also brought structural fire departments into the mix. As in years past, ODF’s wildland fire incident management teams held their annual pre-season training conference this spring in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s structural teams. Since they are likely to meet on wildfires that threaten communities, the teams train together to attain seamless coordination in the field.