FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry is declaring the start of fire season will begin at 1 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1 in most of northwest Oregon. Fire season is declared each year when conditions of fire hazard exist. Covered by the declaration are all public and private lands in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, northern Yamhill and western Washington counties. Most ODF districts around the state are already in fire season or will be on July 1.
Specific public restrictions are tied to fire danger levels. These move from low fire danger (green), to extreme fire danger (red) as conditions warrant. Danger levels are indicated on the fire information boards at major roads entering forested areas.
While fire danger is at low, campfires will be allowed at campsites, both in designated campgrounds and at dispersed sites. This recognizes that attended campfires adjacent to campsites have a low incidence of spread. As conditions dry out, the move to moderate (blue) restricts campfires to designated campsites and dispersed campfires will no longer be allowed.
For industrial forest operations, levels vary from Level 1 to Level 4 with accompanying restrictions on operations to protect forest resources. Restrictions are very similar to last year, with a 1 hour fire watch in Level I, a 2 hour fire watch in Level II, and a 2 hour fire watch in Level III. Level 4 is a shutdown, so no fire watch is required. Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) Zones NW-1, NW-2 & NW-3 will be at a Level 1 on Wednesday.
Additionally, a burn ban will be in effect simultaneously. Open debris burning will not be allowed starting July 1.
Fireworks are illegal in the forest protection district at all levels.
ODF fire crews are completing their initial training this week and will be ready for fire season.
For up-to-date recorded information about fire season requirements, or to request a burning permit or obtain additional information, call your local ODF office during weekday business hours.
To find up-to-date information about fire restrictions and fire danger levels for any area you are interested in statewide, go to ODF’s online fire restrictions map at https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html
Additional information for restrictions in the Tillamook State Forest can be found at http://tillamookstateforest.blogspot.com/
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