Warm and dry weather is on its way to Northeast Oregon. Fire conditions are moderate at this time, however this weekend’s forecast is calling for a Red Flag warning for windy conditions with low relative humidity in the Columbia Basin. A Red Flag warning is issued when weather conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion and rapid rates of spread.
Landowners that burned slash piles over the winter and spring are encouraged to check those piles for heat and smoke. Slash burning is a common way to dispose of residue left from forest management operations. Slash piles can burn deep in the soil and return to life when weather conditions are favorable for ignition. As warm and dry conditions persist, this issue can be a cause of concern for fire managers.
“The weather conditions that are headed our way are exactly the kind of conditions where smoke and heat will present itself from old slash burns.” Matt Howard, Unit Forester, Wallowa. “If you burned slash this winter or spring, it’s a good idea to check your piles and make sure you aren’t going to have a problem as the weather turns to the summer pattern.”
Fire managers are also encouraging landowners to use caution while conducting spring cleaning activities around their property. Each year, several fires throughout the state are started by wellintentioned landowners. Improper use of power driven equipment ranks number 2 as the cause of wildfires on ODF protected lands. Check the current fire restrictions with your local Oregon Department of Forestry office to learn if there are any current restrictions or regulations.
http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.
To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541)963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.
######
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.