June 9, 2019
Conditions are warming up, which means fuels are drying out.
On Monday, June 10, ODF’s Central Oregon and Klamath-Lake Districts along with Walker Range Fire Protection Association enter fire season, with Douglas Fire Protection Association following on Tuesday, June 11. ODF’s Southwest Oregon District entered fire season on June 1. All told, these declarations cover state-protected lands in these counties:
- Crook
- Douglas
- Deschutes
- Grant
- Harney
- Hood River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Klamath
- Lake
- Morrow
- Wasco
- Wheeler
Southwest Oregon District (Jackson and Josephine counties) is in regulated use, which adds additional restrictions in the interest of fire prevention. The Klamath River corridor in Klamath-Lake District will also be in regulated use.
To learn fire restrictions for a particular area, visit the
ODF Fire Restrictions page, with interactive maps for public and industrial uses.
We have already seen increased fire activity across the state. Even if your area is not in fire season, check the conditions, not the calendar: Fires can spread anytime of year. Please consider factors such as temperature, wind, humidity and flammable materials before burning or undertaking other activities that can cause or spread a fire.
Your local ODF office can answer questions about current fire restrictions in your area.
May 13, 2019
Local fire agencies and prevention organizations urge the public to consider alternatives to burning yard debris, as unseasonably warm and dry conditions are already causing fires across the state.
While fire season has yet to be declared on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, 126 fires have already burned nearly 1,000 acres in 2019. Warm and dry conditions during May have led to more than 70 fires, catching many people off guard and prompting county-wide burn bans in several areas across the state.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month and the ideal time to reduce excess vegetation around your home that could pose a wildfire threat. However, as you begin spring clean-up, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Keep Oregon Green and the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal urge you to consider alternatives to burning.
“The window to burn safely has closed,” says ODF Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “If chipping or recycling is not an option, then it’s best to hold off until after fire season next fall.” Fields says delaying your burn plans will give the debris additional time to cure and still burn efficiently during moderate conditions. Waiting will also prevent piles burned this spring from coming back to life during the heat of the summer, as they can retain heat for several weeks and rekindle under warm, windy conditions.
If burning now is the only option to dispose of woody material, fire officials urge homeowners to follow safe burning practices. A burn pile is less likely to escape control by following some simple safety tips:
- Call before you burn – Burning regulations are not the same in all areas and can vary with the weather and fuel conditions. If you’re planning to burn, check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry district, fire protective association or air protection authority to learn if there are any current burning restrictions or regulations, and whether a permit is required.
- Know the weather forecast – Never burn on dry or windy days. These conditions make it easy for open burning to spread out of control.
- Clear a 10-foot radius around your pile – also make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above.
- Keep your burn pile small – A large burn may cast hot embers long distances. Small piles, 4×4 feet in dimension, are recommended. Add debris in small amounts as existing material is consumed.
- Always have water and fire tools on site – When burning, have a charged water hose, bucket of water, and shovel and dirt nearby to extinguish the fire. Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is DEAD out.
- Stay with the fire until it is completely out – Monitoring a debris burn continually from start to finish until dead out is required by state law, to ensure that any escaped sparks or embers can be extinguished quickly. Go back and recheck old burn piles, as they can retain heat for several weeks and rekindle when the weather warms and wind begins to blow.
- NEVER use gasoline or other accelerants (flammable or combustible liquids) to start or increase your open fire. Every year, 55-60 percent of all burns treated at the Oregon Burn Center in Portland are the result of backyard debris burning.
- Burn ONLY yard debris – State regulations prohibit the open burning of any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors.
- Escaped debris burns are costly – State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires any time of year. Citations can amount to as much as $2,000 and, if your debris burn spreads out of control, you will be responsible for the cost of fire suppression and very likely the damage to neighboring properties. This can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green site, www.keeporegongreen.org/.
May 9, 2019
Press Release – Recreational Fires
From the Columbia County Fire Defense Board
Effective May 9, 2019 at 12:01 am
A total burn ban has been implemented including recreational fires in all Columbia County Fire Protection Districts including Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Clatskanie Fire District, Mist-Birkenfeld Fire District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Scappoose Fire District and Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District.
The Columbia County Fire Defense Board which is made up of fire chiefs from these districts has determined that a dramatic increase in the outdoor fire hazard has occurred. The burn ban includes all recreational and debris burning until significant weather changes the fire hazard. Campfires, fire pits, burn barrels, burn piles, and bon fires are not allowed! For additional information regarding fire season 2019 please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx
May 8, 2019
Current conditions are looking and feeling more like mid-fire season than early May. Here at ODF, we aren’t letting the calendar distract us from doing our part to prevent and prepare to respond to wildfires – and we are asking Oregonians to join us.
“We are already seeing increased fire activity across the state,” says Doug Grafe, ODF’s Chief of Fire Protection. “With warm and dry weather forecasted to continue through the weekend, and already dry fuels on the landscape, all ODF employees are in a state of readiness. We ask the public to join us as we work together to prevent wildfires and protect Oregon’s forests.”
Oregonians know to enjoy warm spring weather when given the chance – hiking, camping, boating, biking – the options for outdoor adventure in our beautiful state are endless! For others, this is the ideal time for outdoor spring cleaning.
Whether working or playing – fire prevention is up to each of us!
A few tips to keep in mind:
• Don’t burn on windy days.
• Make sure campfires or debris burns are dead out before you walk away.
• Keep vehicles on roads – don’t idle on dry grass.
For more info to help you make #firesafe choices now and all year long, check out these helpful resources:
ODF’s Fire Prevention website https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/pages/FirePrevention.aspx Keep Oregon Green https://keeporegongreen.org/
#GoTeam #WildfireAwarenessMonth
The following counties have issued burn bans: Washington, Yamhill, Polk, Marion, Benton, Lane, Linn and Jackson. Burn Ban or Not, best to refrain from any burning until conditions improve. #NoBurning #KeepOregonGreen #FirePrevention #WAM2019.
November 21, 2018
Strike teams from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Douglas Forest
Protective Association (DFPA) were released today by Cal Fire from their
assignment on the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif. Heavy rains forecasted for
much of the area are expected to improve conditions and provide a much-needed
reprieve for wildfire suppression throughout the region.
Reported as the deadliest wildfire in a century, the Camp Fire is estimated
at 151,373 acres and 70 percent contained, with at least 79 civilian fatalities
reported and over 13,000 structures destroyed. Tasks completed by ODF and DFPA
resources included fire line construction and improvements,
|
| Dozer corralling a spot fire across the fire line. |
burning operations
to assisting in recovery efforts in the City of Paradise and surrounding
communities. The teams worked alongside Cal Fire and California Office of
Emergency Management as well as numerous fellow firefighting agencies.
The 28 agency and association personnel head home to their families today
just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Our crews came down readily willing to serve Cal Fire and the citizens of
Butte County,” said ODF Agency Representative Matt Howard. “While the work they
completed was within their scope, training and experience, the difference with
the Camp Fire was the sheer magnitude of the incident. The severe loss of human
life, infrastructure, and natural resources are unlike anything our folks have
experienced.
“As the agency representative, I am extremely humbled to have shared this
assignment with the two experienced Engine Strike Teams from the Oregon
Department of Forestry and Douglas Forest Protective Association. Our
homecoming is bittersweet as we head home to our loved ones,” Howard added.
“Our heartfelt wishes are with our fellow firefighters, Paradise and
surrounding communities, and all those impacted by this tragic fire.”
 |
| Brief break for a quick photo of the EOA strike team. |
November 12, 2018
ODF has deployed two strike teams with
equipment and personnel to assist in suppression efforts for the devastating
wildfires in California. This deployment was coordinated with the Oregon Office
of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact
(EMAC).
Using the EMAC system, California fire officials originally requested
additional resources to support suppression efforts in the southern portion of
the state. The two ODF strike teams, consisting of five Type 6 engines each,
two strike team leaders and an agency representative (28 personnel total), departed early Sunday
morning. In addition to ODF districts in eastern and southern Oregon, resources
include engines and personnel from the Douglas Forest Protection Association.
While en route, the ODF teams received new orders to divert to the Camp Fire
near Chico, CA due to the evolving and emergent situation. Both strike teams
arrived at the Camp Incident Command Post Sunday evening and will be joining
suppression efforts on the front line Monday morning.
“Oregon and California have a long-standing relationship of mutual aid
wherever suppression resources are needed,” said Oregon’s State Forester, Peter
Daugherty. “California has come to our aid during our challenging fire seasons
and Oregon is now able to help California during this tragic time of need.”
|
ODF crews receive their assignment
at Camp Fire Incident Command Post 11-12-18 |
At the time of arrival, the Camp Fire was reported at 111,000 acres and 25
percent containment, with approximately 6,453 residences destroyed and an
additional 15,000 structures threatened. An estimated 31 people have lost their
lives and an additional 200 are listed as missing.
The ODF teams will join their Oregon State Fire Marshal counterparts, adding
to the growing number of out of state resources joining suppression efforts
during these devastating wildfires impacting much of the state. The team
anticipates a full 14-day deployment.
November 12, 2018
Due to the extensive destruction caused by Hurricane Michael,
the Florida Division of Emergency Management requested additional Incident
Management Teams. ODF stepped up to fill this request, working with Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and
sending a third team to assist with relief and recovery efforts.
As with recent deployments, this request was coordinated through the
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The EMAC provides mutual
assistance among states and territories during any governor-declared state of
emergency through a responsive system. This structure allows states to send
personnel, equipment, and supplies to assist with response and relief efforts
in other states.
This ODF Team, led by Incident Commander Link Smith, arrived in Tallahassee,
Fla. Nov. 6, where they received an in-briefing from the Florida
National Guard at the Tallahassee Base Camp. Their current mission is to assist
with oversight of the Base Camp located in Marianna, Fla., in the heart of the
destruction zone. Their assignment includes ensuring the safety and welfare of
Base Camp and coordination of communication efforts.
|
ODF IMT (Smith) at Base Camp in Mariana, FL
reunited with Florida PIO who was
deployed to Oregon during the 2018 Fire Season. |
ODF Agency Representative Dennis Lee mobilized with the team to oversee
coordination of both of the ODF teams currently deployed in Florida. “The
magnitude of destruction here is difficult to convey for those back at home,”
Lee said. “Along with the devastation of so many homes and buildings, the sheer
volume of what I would refer to as near-deforestation is somewhat unreal.
Despite all of this, life goes on for everyone here and the resiliency of the
local residents is truly inspiring. We are honored to be here to do our part in
helping our Florida friends put the pieces back together.”
While ODF utilizes the EMAC most often during fire season, agency Incident
Management Teams maintain All-Hazard qualifications to ensure capacity for
potential disaster relief needs. ODF’s complete and coordinated fire
suppression system relies on strong partnerships with other agencies, states
and even countries, offering reciprocal assistance in times of need.
November 8, 2018
SALEM, Ore. – Autumn rains may have
ended Oregon’s wildfire season but not the risk of floods and debris flows
following in their wake. That is why a working group of state and federal
agencies have released a new playbook.
The playbook will aid local officials in finding resources to help prevent or
cope with potentially catastrophic wildfire after-effects.
|
Above: After intense wildfires, burned soils may be less able
to absorb runoff, raising the risk of flooding or debris flows.
|
Wildfires burned more than 856,000
acres this year across all of Oregon, well above the 10-year average of approximately
500,000 acres, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Chief of Fire
Protection Doug Grafe.
“High intensity wildfires can destroy protective
vegetation and alter soil so it is less able to absorb rainfall and snowmelt,”
said Grafe. “After such fires, there can be an increased risk of flooding or debris
flows.”
According to the U.S.
Geological Survey, landslides (also known as debris flows) cause about $3.5
billion (in 2001 dollars) in damage in the U.S. each year, and claim between 25
to 50 lives. A prime example is the debris flow that hit Montecito in Southern
California in January of this year. Just weeks after the Thomas Fire burned the
hills above the town of about 9,000, a debris flow swept through, killing more
than 20 people.
Ryan Cahill, hydraulic
engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said his agency worked with
several partners to compile and complete the guide, including:
·
Natural
Resources Conservation Service
·
Oregon
Department of Forestry
·
Oregon
Emergency Management
·
Oregon
Department of Land Conservation and Development
·
U.S.
Forest Service
·
U.S.
Geological Survey
“Federal and state partners already
work together to suppress wildfires, so it was natural for us to come together
to prepare a guide for community leaders on what to do after wildfires,” said
Cahill. “The playbook we produced explains what to do to reduce the risk from
floods and debris flows, identifies the resources available to help do that,
and where to find those resources,” said Cahill.
Among steps Cahill said
at-risk communities can take, one is designating in advance where evacuation
centers will be, including animal-friendly locations where pets and livestock
can receive care. Alert systems, such as reverse 9-1-1 calls, should also be
organized and periodically tested.
All government entities and
critical emergency organizations, such as hospitals, utilities, food banks and
schools, should know their roles in a community flood or debris flow emergency.
Then be equipped and prepared to carry out those plans.
Although the playbook is
intended for elected local officials and emergency managers, individuals can
help protect themselves as well.
“Property owners and those living
and working near rivers where catastrophic fires have occurred should be aware
of their level of risk and take appropriate preparedness actions,” said Oregon Office
of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps. “This includes having
‘two-weeks ready’ preparedness supplies handy, signing up for emergency
notification systems where you live, and reviewing insurance coverage to make
sure your home is protected for hazards like flooding and landslides.”
The playbook can be accessed at:
# #
#
October 30, 2018
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), which protects roughly 16 million acres of private, state and federal lands, officially declared the end of fire season statewide yesterday, Oct. 29.
For ODF, fire season is declared and terminated at the district level, based on local fire danger conditions. Of the Department’s 12 districts across the state, Central Oregon and Southwest Oregon Districts saw drier, warmer conditions early on, officially kicking off the season June 1. Over the course of the 2018 fire season, ODF and its forest protective association partners suppressed a total of 1,059 fires. An estimated 75,531 acres burned on ODF-protected land this year, more than doubling the 10-year average.
Oregon’s complete and coordinated wildfire protection system — consisting of ODF, landowner partners, agency cooperators, and the fire contracting community — was successful under extremely challenging conditions this year. In spite of statewide drought conditions, ODF and partners again succeeded in keeping 95% of all wildfires to less than 10 acres with aggressive and successful initial attacks.
From mid-June through much of September, a combination of historically high temperatures and near-record low precipitation levels and fuel moistures resulted in a significant fire activity increase across the state, in spite of an above-average snowpack and precipitation the previous winter. Dry lightning storms were a contributing factor.
More than 2,800 lightning strikes in mid-July ignited hundreds of starts, at least seven of which became large fires in southwest Oregon. Another lightning event in August with 2,335 strikes ignited hundreds of starts in central and eastern Oregon. Of these hundreds of starts, the majority were caught and contained in initial attack, with only eight large fires established in central Oregon.
“With numerous large fires and limited resources across the nation, the 2018 fire season brought real challenges,” said ODF Interim Deputy Chief for Fire Operations, Russ Lane. “For ODF, we also saw a number of successes. Thanks to aggressive and safe firefighting, we were able to keep several potentially large fires small in scale while keeping firefighter injuries to a minimum. We are grateful for our partnerships and their invaluable roles within Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system, including forest landowners, rural fire districts, and federal and state partners.”
Nationally, as well as in Oregon and Washington, we were at Preparedness Level 5 (the highest level) for 32 days, 8 days shorter than the record-holding 2017 fire season, Increased wildland fire activity on the national level required major commitment of limited resources, adding complexity to an already dynamic fire season.
With the transition out of fire season, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention efforts. Working with partners, landowners and members of the public, the shared objective is to minimize potential fuels for the coming fire season, mitigating risk while remaining vigilant with any activity associated with fire.
“Fire prevention remains our top priority,” Lane said. “Human-caused fires — especially debris burning and illegal, abandoned campfires — continue to raise concern, and we are focusing outreach and messaging efforts there alongside our partner Keep Oregon Green. Combined with fuel reduction and mitigation, we are constantly looking for new ways to raise awareness and support Oregonians in our shared objective to reduce wildfire and keep Oregon green.”
October 29, 2018
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), working with Oregon’s
Office of Emergency Management (OEM), is filling a request from the Florida
Division of Emergency Management for an All-Hazards Incident Management Team
(IMT) to support the response to Hurricane Michael.
The request is coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance
Compact (EMAC) agreement. The EMAC offers assistance among states and
territories during any governor-declared state of emergency through a
responsive system, providing a mutual aid structure. This allows states to send
personnel, equipment, and supplies to assist with response and relief efforts
in other states.
While ODF utilizes the EMAC most often during fire season, agency Incident
Management Teams maintain All-Hazard qualifications to ensure capacity for
potential disaster relief needs. ODF’s complete and coordinated fire
suppression system relies on strong partnerships with other agencies, states
and even countries, offering reciprocal assistance in times of need.
With an estimated 23,000 residents still without power in wake of this
catastrophic storm, the ODF IMT, led by Incident Commander Chris Cline, is
eager to bring some added capacity to their counterparts in Florida.
 |
| The IMT departing to Florida on Monday. |
“Our strong partnerships with fellow agencies and states have proven
invaluable to our success in wildfire suppression,” Cline said. “Just a few
months ago we had an IMT from Florida standing side-by-side with our folks
battling wildfire here in Oregon. Knowing the bases are covered on the home
front with fire season winding down, our team is ready and willing to get to
work. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to return the favor.”
Arriving in Tallahassee, Fla. Monday afternoon,
the team will be working out of a base camp in Panama City, in the epicenter of
the devastation zone. The ODF IMT anticipates a full deployment of 14 days.
October 28, 2018
Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Oregon
Department of Forestry (ODF) IMT’s returned home from Florida yesterday, Oct. 27 after a 14-day assignment. Their mission was in Bay County in the
Florida Panhandle, where they integrated with IMTs from Mississippi and
Florida. The unified IMT provided leadership to the county for emergency
management response by deploying resources for search and rescue. The team then
shifted into recovery mode by helping residents obtain transitional housing and
getting kids back into schools.
|
OSFM and ODF team in Bay County, Florida
supporting the cleanup efforts for Hurricane Michael. |
Incident Commander Ted Kunze said, “OSFM and ODF working in unified command
along with the IMTs from other states optimized our resources and created a
robust IMT, which allowed us to get started quickly and efficiently on our
search and rescue mission. I feel we all represented Oregon very well.”
The team spent time in Mexico Beach, where the eye made landfall. Tens of thousands of tarps have been distributed in
Bay County. They were in total awe of the spirit of the people here and the
outpouring of volunteers throughout the county from all over the country. A funeral was held Wednesday for the Bay County firefighter killed last week. The
Oregon IMT is donating $1,000 to the family.
 |
| In Mexico Beach, Florida, tarps distributed cover roofs. |
Although the recovery efforts posed some challenges, the team describes their mission as very inspiring and humbling. They are very proud of the work done by both of our teams in helping Floridians put the pieces back together again.
October 18, 2018
Over the past few weeks, ODF along with many of our partner agencies, have responded to dozens of escaped debris burns across the state. As the calendar turns toward fall, Oregonians are anxious to get outside and clean up the forest and yard debris accumulated over the summer.
|
ODF engines respond to a 10+ acre fire caused by
an escaped debris burn outside of Molalla. |
With the increase in temperatures, dry fuels, and unpredictable wind and weather conditions, many of these burns have escaped and resulted in acres and structures lost. With multiple agencies responding, costs accumulate quickly and often fall to the landowner or individual found to be responsible for the fire.
These fires are completely preventable and ODF is here to help. For those looking to burn their debris piles, ODF local offices are a phone call away. Another option is the interactive ODF Fire Restrictions Map where users simply click on their location to receive current local fire restrictions.
Please check your local restrictions before you burn – these fires are preventable!
October 5, 2018
Northwest Oregon Protection Association (Astoria, Tillamook, Forest Grove) ended fire season today.
Fire danger has dropped from high to moderate in Central Oregon District and Walker Range.
Rain will move across much of the region today diminishing over the weekend. Temperatures will remain below average. Winds will vary across the region as weather systems arrive and depart.
The potential for large fire initiation over the region is minimal due to the wet and cool weather on today and lingering through the weekend.
New Fires
Wilkins Fire
On Monday the Northeast Oregon District battled a 19.5 acre fire two miles west of Ukiah. The Wilkins Fire burned through grass and timber. The fire was aggressively initial attacked and is 100% dozer lined. Resources stayed on scene overnight and through Tuesday. The cause is under investigation.
Ongoing Fires
Klondike Fire West
Location: 9 miles northwest of Selma
Ignition: July 15, 2018
Cause: Lightning
Acres burned: 167,309 acres
Personnel: 525
Containment: 72%
More information:
September 28, 2018
|
Above: Some of the ODF personnel now in Wyoming
helping that state cope with late season wildfires. |
ODF has sent five fire engines and crews and at least 10 other personnel to Wyoming at the request of the Wyoming State Forestry Division. The strike team is helping with initial attack in Sublette County while other firefighters engage on the 54,071-acre Roosevelt Fire.
The Roosevelt Fire is burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming. A number of structures have been reported lost in that fire.
Yesterday three of the engines were redeployed to help with the 21,631-acre Ryan Fire burning in the Routt National Forest by the border with Colorado.
September 28, 2018
GLENDALE, Ore. – Aviation and ground resources continued to work on the Bear Springs Fire Thursday afternoon. The fire is located about seven miles west of Glendale in Douglas County. It is now estimated to be about 20 acres in size. The fire is burning in a mixture of old growth timber and younger trees.
Today, firefighters have used multiple helicopters to help cool the fires spread while ground resources, including firefighters and bull dozers, worked to complete fire trails around the fire. One large air tanker and two single-engine airtankers (SEAT’s) were also used earlier today to drop fire retardant on the fire. Since then, drift smoke from surrounding fires have moved into the area, which has limited visibility, causing the fixed-wing aircraft to be grounded for safety reasons.
Crews recently reported that there is a fire trail around the majority of the fire, some of which is hand line and some is dozer line. Firefighters are also working to install hose lays around the fires perimeter. Once fire trails are completed around the fire, crews will work to improve and hold the fire lines.
Currently, there are no homes threatened by the Bear Springs Fire and no evacuations have been issued. One firefighter received multiple bee stings while working on the fire and was removed from the fire line as a precautionary measure. No other injuries have been reported.
The cause of the Bear Springs Fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with information about the cause of the fire is asked to contact DFPA.
September 27, 2018
GLENDALE, Ore. – Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and ODF’s Southwest Oregon District are on the scene of the Bear Springs Fire about seven miles west of Glendale. The Bear Springs Fire is currently estimated to be about seven to 10 acres in size. It is burning on a steep hillside with poor access. Five helicopters are currently supporting ground resources as they work to contain the Bear Springs Fire. Additional ground and aviation resources have been ordered to assist with the blaze and are en-route to the fire.
Currently, no homes are threatened by the Bear Springs Fire and no evacuations have been issued. The cause of the Bear Springs Fire is currently under investigation.
September 11, 2018
SALEM, Ore. – It will take some time for recent rains to make up for the state’s exceptionally dry summer. Precipitation for the month of August was well below normal according to the Oregon Water Conditions Report, issued by the Oregon Water Resources Department. Some areas received as little as 5 percent of normal precipitation. Areas west of the Cascades and northwestern Oregon were especially dry.
In the past 30 days temperatures have been generally warmer than normal, particularly in the northeast, southwest, and southeast corners of the state.
In the past two weeks temperatures have been cooler at the coast, in the Cascades and in the north central region. The exceptions were eastern and southeastern regions of the state, where temperatures were up to six degrees warmer than normal for this time of year.
Over the next 8 to 14 days, the federal Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an increased probability of above-normal temperatures across most of Oregon. The most recent three-month outlook still indicates increased chances of above-normal temperatures statewide.
Drought conditions not yet over in Oregon
The most recent update to the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates continued drought conditions across Oregon. According to the Monitor’s Sept. 4, 2018 report, 100% of the state is listed as abnormally dry, with 84% in severe drought and almost 22% in extreme drought.
At the start of September, nine Oregon counties were under state-declared drought status. Twelve counties as of Sept. 5 met U.S. Department of Agriculture’s drought designation.
Oregon statewide water year precipitation at snow-monitoring sites continues to hover at just under 86% of normal. The lowest values are in the Rogue/Umpqua basins at 76% of normal for the water year. The highest amounts of water-year precipitation are currently in the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Willow basins with 102% of normal.
September 10, 2018
Record dry spells in the Willamette Valley were broken up over the
weekend and early Monday, with nominal rain falling from Portland south to
Eugene. Precipitation was heavier in the northwest Coast Range, with some
coastal rain as far south as Coos Bay.
However, no rain fell on most of southwest Oregon, where fire
conditions remain extreme or high. The 10-day forecast calls for seasonal
temperatures with lower-than-normal precipitation. Fuel moisture remains very
low, and even areas that saw rainfall will need significantly more before this
changes.
Meteorologists expect more rain this week west of the Cascades –
chances are lower in southwest Oregon – with possible showers on the east side
as well.
September 7, 2018
As new fire activity has significantly slowed this week and requests for firefighting resources decline, the statewide fire preparedness level dropped to Level 3 on Friday.
While there are still a few large fires on the landscape – the largest in Oregon being Klondike West at 117,458 acres – this is nevertheless an encouraging sign. No ODF incident management teams are deployed at present, although ODF staff are represented on some large fires.
The fire preparedness level is best understood as a measurement of demand for firefighting resources. Lowering the preparedness level reflects a sustained decrease in this demand. ODF and other partners in Oregon’s complete and coordinated system are maintaining formidable firefighting forces and are still putting out new fires with initial attack and battling to fully contain existing blazes.
September 4, 2018
A fire reported Sunday evening north of Grants Pass grew to nearly 200 acres and destroyed two residences as firefighters faced numerous challenges, including live power lines and even a cougar sighting.
This fire is on private land near the community of Hugo, west of Interstate 5 near exit 66. As of Tuesday morning, a 200-plus firefighter force lined the entirety of the fire, boosting containment to 30 percent.
Regular updates are being posted to swofire.com.
Two residences, 13 outbuildings, two recreational vehicles and 11 vehicles were destroyed. Three additional residences were damaged. About 265 structures remained threatened and 663 people have been evacuated.
ODF’s Southwest Oregon District is engaged in the fire along with the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Rural Metro Fire, the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross.
While gusty winds are still causing minor flare-ups throughout the fire’s footprint, crews have made enough progress that OSFM teams are heading home today. However, both local structure and wildland crews will remain present to continue mop-up over the coming days.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
