Last week’s cooler weather accompanied by rain in most areas calmed wildfire activity statewide. ODF’s field districts worked on firefighting readiness to prepare for the expected seasonal upturn in fire starts. Oregon and Washington currently have 116 private contract 20-person hand crews available for dispatch to fires. ODF’s helicopters and air tankers stand ready, along with fire engines and crews.
The absence of dry lightning has reduced the No. of new fires seen at this point over the past three seasons. Fire managers remind the public to be “fire aware” while enjoying Oregon’s forests.