July 3,
2014
Contacts:
Greg Wagenblast,
541-726-3588, gwagenblast@odf.state.or.us
Link Smith,
541-935-2283, gsmith@odf.state.or.us
Hot, dry weather has arrived, and the Department of Forestry
asks Oregonians to be mindful of the wildfire risk over the Fourth of July
weekend.
asks Oregonians to be mindful of the wildfire risk over the Fourth of July
weekend.
“If you’re going camping, check with the landowner to learn
whether campfires are permitted,” South Cascade District Forester Greg Wagenblast
said.
whether campfires are permitted,” South Cascade District Forester Greg Wagenblast
said.
In areas where campfires are allowed, take precautions to
ensure the fire doesn’t escape to become a wildfire. The Keep Oregon Green
Association lists helpful tips for a safe campfire at: www.keeporegongreen.org/.
ensure the fire doesn’t escape to become a wildfire. The Keep Oregon Green
Association lists helpful tips for a safe campfire at: www.keeporegongreen.org/.
Fireworks have no place in the forest and should be left at
home. This time of year the woods are an abundant fuel bed of grass, trees and
shrubs that can be ignited by the sparks and flames from even legally sold
fireworks.
home. This time of year the woods are an abundant fuel bed of grass, trees and
shrubs that can be ignited by the sparks and flames from even legally sold
fireworks.
Residents of Lane and Linn counties are reminded that
backyard burning is banned for the season.
backyard burning is banned for the season.
Oregon law now prohibits the use of exploding targets,
tracer ammunition and sky lanterns in the forest during wildfire season.
“We ask people to exercise caution as they recreate this
holiday weekend,” he said. “Fire season is just ramping up in the region, and
we likely have a long one ahead of us.”
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