The catastrophic wildfires in Colorado and other states serve as a reminder to Oregonians of their individual responsibility to practice wildfire prevention in the weeks ahead. While the current spring-like weather may seem little cause for concern, it can actually lead to human-caused fires.
“When it’s pleasant outside, rather than hot and dry, we’re more likely to head out to the forest,” said Tom Fields, fire prevention coordinator with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). “But people may assume that fires can’t occur under these conditions, and that’s where the danger lies.”
As green as the forests and fields appear across much of the state, during the past week 10 fires have occurred on the lands protected by the department. And warmer, drier days are predicted, setting the stage for new fire starts to spread more rapidly.
Before traveling to the forest to recreate, check to see if there are any fire restrictions in effect. For the 16 million acres of forest under ODF’s jurisdiction, go to:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml
The web page lists fire restrictions district by district for the entire state.
Fire safety tips for camping and recreating in the forest are available on the Keep Oregon Green Association website, http://www.keeporegongreen.org/, and from other wildfire prevention agencies and organizations, as well as local fire departments.
ODF assists on wildfire next to office
When the Chenowith Rim Fire broke out July 1 in the Columbia Gorge, ODF’s unit office in The Dalles sent four fire engines, a five-person hand crew and a bulldozer to assist other fire agencies fighting the fire. They didn’t have far to go: The 70-acre wildfire burned within 200 feet of the unit office. The blaze caused no damage to the building.