September 11, 2014
For wildfire managers, the current forecast of dry easterly
winds and rising temperatures means just one thing: elevated fire behavior.
East winds, common in late summer and early fall, can turn a smoldering
campfire or an errant spark from a vehicle into a raging blaze in minutes. And
the winds coming later this week are predicted to be especially strong – 15 to
20 mph. The low humidity, coupled with wind and high temperatures, can
turbocharge even the smallest fire start.
Whether this weather event spawns new wildfires depends
almost entirely on how Oregonians behave in the forest. This time of year,
human activity is the chief cause of fires, not lightning. We can prevent wildfires
by taking extra precautions as we work and recreate in the forest. You can make
the difference by following a few simple tips:
almost entirely on how Oregonians behave in the forest. This time of year,
human activity is the chief cause of fires, not lightning. We can prevent wildfires
by taking extra precautions as we work and recreate in the forest. You can make
the difference by following a few simple tips:
§
Operate ATVs and other motorized vehicles only
on established roads.
Operate ATVs and other motorized vehicles only
on established roads.
§
Check your vehicle for dragging tow chains that
can send sparks into roadside vegetation.
Check your vehicle for dragging tow chains that
can send sparks into roadside vegetation.
§
Don’t park on dry grass – the hot exhaust system
can set it smoldering in seconds.
Don’t park on dry grass – the hot exhaust system
can set it smoldering in seconds.
§
Check current fire restrictions for the area before
building a campfire. Open fires may be prohibited. But if allowed, tend the
fire constantly and extinguish it thoroughly before leaving the area.
Check current fire restrictions for the area before
building a campfire. Open fires may be prohibited. But if allowed, tend the
fire constantly and extinguish it thoroughly before leaving the area.
§
Smoke only in an enclosed vehicle. Properly
dispose of cigarette butts.
Smoke only in an enclosed vehicle. Properly
dispose of cigarette butts.
The Keep Oregon Green Association offers additional tips on preventing
wildfires at: http://www.keeporegongreen.org/home.html
wildfires at: http://www.keeporegongreen.org/home.html
Rod Nichols Kris Babbs
Oregon Dept. of Forestry Keep Oregon Green Assoc.
503-945-7425 503-945-7499