Contact:
Tom Fields
Oregon Department of Forestry
(503) 945-7440
The recent rainfall that fell across Oregon in variable
amounts has fire officials concerned.
“Now is not the time for folks to let their guard down,”
says Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields.
“We’re still in the midst of three consecutive fire seasons that have wreaked
havoc in all four corners of the state. And while the small amount of rain was
a welcome relief, we are far from putting this fire season to bed.”
says Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields.
“We’re still in the midst of three consecutive fire seasons that have wreaked
havoc in all four corners of the state. And while the small amount of rain was
a welcome relief, we are far from putting this fire season to bed.”
For the most part, the significant rainfall since August 24
landed along the Oregon coast and Willamette Valley. The north Cascades also
received in excess of an inch of rain while the rest of the state remained
fairly dry. Fuels receptive to sparks and embers remain abnormally dry and are
still prone to ignite and carry fire with ease. Add to the mix the region’s
early fall east winds that blow over the Cascades like California’s Santa Anna
winds, and the threat doubles. The Scoggins Creek, Yellow Point and Lost Hubcap
fires from 2014 are prime examples of September fires that grew out of control,
threatened communities, and cost millions of dollars to put out. Broken down,
the Scoggins Creek Fire burned 211 acres and cost $1.9 million; Yellow Point
burned 789 acres and cost $5.6 million; and Lost Hubcap burned 2,712 acres and
cost $3.1 million.
landed along the Oregon coast and Willamette Valley. The north Cascades also
received in excess of an inch of rain while the rest of the state remained
fairly dry. Fuels receptive to sparks and embers remain abnormally dry and are
still prone to ignite and carry fire with ease. Add to the mix the region’s
early fall east winds that blow over the Cascades like California’s Santa Anna
winds, and the threat doubles. The Scoggins Creek, Yellow Point and Lost Hubcap
fires from 2014 are prime examples of September fires that grew out of control,
threatened communities, and cost millions of dollars to put out. Broken down,
the Scoggins Creek Fire burned 211 acres and cost $1.9 million; Yellow Point
burned 789 acres and cost $5.6 million; and Lost Hubcap burned 2,712 acres and
cost $3.1 million.
“The bottom line,” according to Fields, “is that we still
need to exercise caution and follow fire restrictions in effect when working or
recreating in wildland areas.”
need to exercise caution and follow fire restrictions in effect when working or
recreating in wildland areas.”
Campfires remain prohibited on private and public lands
protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry as well as all state parks. The
exception is developed and approved campgrounds in some areas.
protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry as well as all state parks. The
exception is developed and approved campgrounds in some areas.
“Your best bet is to know before you go. Check with the
local authority before heading out.” Fields says another tool is ODF’s fire
restrictions interactive map on the web at http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/fire/precautionlevelMap.aspx.
local authority before heading out.” Fields says another tool is ODF’s fire
restrictions interactive map on the web at http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/fire/precautionlevelMap.aspx.
While many corporate private lands remain closed due to the
continued fire danger, hunting season is still open. Hunters and other outdoor
enthusiasts must have landowner permission before entering and follow all
public fire use restrictions, such as no smoking or off-road driving.
continued fire danger, hunting season is still open. Hunters and other outdoor
enthusiasts must have landowner permission before entering and follow all
public fire use restrictions, such as no smoking or off-road driving.
Outdoor debris burning also remains prohibited. Other
fire-starting activities currently restricted include the use of power
equipment such as chainsaws and lawn mowers cutting dry grass. Those activities
can only be done early in the day when fire danger is at its lowest.
fire-starting activities currently restricted include the use of power
equipment such as chainsaws and lawn mowers cutting dry grass. Those activities
can only be done early in the day when fire danger is at its lowest.
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