Contacts:
Tom
Fields
Fields
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
503-945-7440
Rich Hoover
Office of State Fire Marshal
503-934-8217
High Temperatures and
Threat of Lightning Forecasted
Threat of Lightning Forecasted
As the heat returns to the region this week, fire managers
are once again spreading the word of caution in efforts to prevent human-caused
fires. Fire weather meteorologists are anticipating temperatures in the high
90’s and low 100’s midweek with a chance of lightning in southern and eastern
Oregon arriving Friday. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for much of the
Willamette Valley and southern Oregon calling for hot and dry unstable
conditions combined with low fuel moisture levels.
are once again spreading the word of caution in efforts to prevent human-caused
fires. Fire weather meteorologists are anticipating temperatures in the high
90’s and low 100’s midweek with a chance of lightning in southern and eastern
Oregon arriving Friday. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for much of the
Willamette Valley and southern Oregon calling for hot and dry unstable
conditions combined with low fuel moisture levels.
As fire season hits full stride, the chances of fires
starting and spreading rapidly are of grave concern.
starting and spreading rapidly are of grave concern.
“We’re looking at a formidable fire weather forecast,” said
Oregon State Forester Doug Decker. “The benefit of any recent moisture we’ve
received has now evaporated, and we’re looking straight at record-breaking
temperatures, extremely low humidities, and dry lightning: the trifecta of bad
wildfire conditions.”
Oregon State Forester Doug Decker. “The benefit of any recent moisture we’ve
received has now evaporated, and we’re looking straight at record-breaking
temperatures, extremely low humidities, and dry lightning: the trifecta of bad
wildfire conditions.”
“This is the time for all Oregonians and visitors to be
extremely aware of fire danger. One wrong move with power equipment, a cigarette,
or any open flame can spell trouble.”
extremely aware of fire danger. One wrong move with power equipment, a cigarette,
or any open flame can spell trouble.”
Homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike can contribute to
the fire prevention campaign by reducing fire prone activities. Campfires are
only allowed in designated campgrounds on public lands and prohibited entirely
on all private lands under ODF’s protection. Outdoor debris burning also
remains prohibited throughout much of the state. While logging activity is
being curtailed under these extreme conditions, many large industrial
landowners have also closed their gates to public access in efforts to reduce
possible ignitions from off-road driving, target shooting, smoking and
campfires; all of which are illegal during fire season.
the fire prevention campaign by reducing fire prone activities. Campfires are
only allowed in designated campgrounds on public lands and prohibited entirely
on all private lands under ODF’s protection. Outdoor debris burning also
remains prohibited throughout much of the state. While logging activity is
being curtailed under these extreme conditions, many large industrial
landowners have also closed their gates to public access in efforts to reduce
possible ignitions from off-road driving, target shooting, smoking and
campfires; all of which are illegal during fire season.
Should a fire occur close to communities, State Fire Marshal
Jim Walker is urging homeowners to be prepared in case an evacuation is
necessary. “A serious wildfire can come up in a moment’s notice, so residents
need to prepare now in case they have to leave their home, Walker said. “Make
sure to put together a “Go Kit” and make a plan where your family will go and
how you will stay in contact.” Find out more at www.wildlandfirersg.org .
Jim Walker is urging homeowners to be prepared in case an evacuation is
necessary. “A serious wildfire can come up in a moment’s notice, so residents
need to prepare now in case they have to leave their home, Walker said. “Make
sure to put together a “Go Kit” and make a plan where your family will go and
how you will stay in contact.” Find out more at www.wildlandfirersg.org .
To date, 621 fires have burned 3,393 acres on lands
protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and forest protective
associations. Of these, 429 have been caused by people. ODF protects about 16
million acres of private and public forest and grazing land from wildfire in
Oregon.
protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and forest protective
associations. Of these, 429 have been caused by people. ODF protects about 16
million acres of private and public forest and grazing land from wildfire in
Oregon.
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