Just one spark

“Now is not the time to let our guard down,” says
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields when
asked about the pending arrival of fall. “We are still experiencing
extreme fire danger conditions throughout much of the state and we need
everyone to remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent human caused
fires.”

The National Weather Service is predicting continued hot weather through the
weekend with much of western Oregon under a Red Flag Warning through Saturday.
Combined with off shore winds and dry vegetation, the recipe for large fires is
still a concern.

While the 525 human-caused fires in 2014 reflects the 10-year average on lands
protected by ODF, the 13,000 acres burned is 10,000 more than the average. The
Two Bulls Fire near Bend in early June and the Moccasin Fire near Klamath Falls
in mid-July were two human caused fires that accounted for 9,500 of those
acres. The Moccasin Fire also destroyed 17 homes.

“That’s just a testament to the type of conditions we have faced all
summer,” says Fields. “Just one spark can lead to a fire, and that
fire has the potential to grow exponentially in a very short amount of
time.”

State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is encouraging Oregonians to use extreme caution
and to practice safe outdoor equipment use. “The impact of these fires has
been far reaching to citizens and communities. Following a few basic outdoor
safety tips can keep the final days of summer enjoyable and safe.”

As always, check what fire restrictions are in place before you head out. Most
areas prohibit campfires outside approved campgrounds. Where campfires are
allowed, be sure and build them in a safe area and most importantly, put them
completely out before leaving.

Smoking and off road driving is also prohibited. Even vehicles idling over dry
grass along the side of the road can start a fire. Earlier this week, a motor
home ignited 10 small fires along Highway 97 when hot particles from a faulty
catalytic converter spewed out into nearby dry grass.

Each year Oregon is faced with the challenge of wildfires impacting our forests
and communities. We all have a stake in protecting what we feel is important to
quality of life. In that vein, two opponents on the field are teaming up
together to help put an end to careless human caused fires. Football coaches
Mike Riley of Oregon State University and Mark Helfrich of the University of
Oregon are spreading the word to “tackle” wildfires. Join the team
today by visiting www.keeporegongreen.org.

More information:
www.keeporegongreen.org
www.firerestrictions.net
http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/fire/precautionlevel.aspx