June 12, 2015
It’s already dry, and the heat is on its way. Those two
factors prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Western Lane and
South Cascade districts to declare wildfire season starting Tuesday, June 16.
factors prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Western Lane and
South Cascade districts to declare wildfire season starting Tuesday, June 16.
“Conditions are setting up for increased fire danger,” South
Cascade District Forester Greg Wagenblast said. “We’re in a cool-down period
right now, but the hot weather is forecast to return soon.”
Cascade District Forester Greg Wagenblast said. “We’re in a cool-down period
right now, but the hot weather is forecast to return soon.”
A declaration of fire season imposes certain restrictions on
recreational and work activities in the forest. Industrial operations are
required to have firefighting equipment on site. Since restrictions may vary,
it is advisable to check with the nearest ODF office for rules specific to the
local area.
recreational and work activities in the forest. Industrial operations are
required to have firefighting equipment on site. Since restrictions may vary,
it is advisable to check with the nearest ODF office for rules specific to the
local area.
The Western Lane and South Cascade districts together
encompass all of Lane County as well as eastern Linn County and portions of
northern Douglas County.
encompass all of Lane County as well as eastern Linn County and portions of
northern Douglas County.
Though backyard debris burning is still allowed through June
15, he advised extreme caution.
15, he advised extreme caution.
“Have a garden hose and shovel ready near your burn pile,
and attend it at all times,” he said.
and attend it at all times,” he said.
Escaped debris burns are a common cause of wildfires every
year in Oregon. These damaging fires often occur when the homeowner leaves the
burn unattended to pursue some other activity. All it takes is a spark from the
pile to drop into nearby dry grass, add a little wind, and it’s game on.
year in Oregon. These damaging fires often occur when the homeowner leaves the
burn unattended to pursue some other activity. All it takes is a spark from the
pile to drop into nearby dry grass, add a little wind, and it’s game on.
The Keep Oregon Green Association offers practical wildfire prevention
tips for around the home and in the forest at: keeporegongreen.com.
tips for around the home and in the forest at: keeporegongreen.com.