PENDLETON, Ore. – As weather conditions continue to
remain dry, forest officials on the Umatilla National Forest remind the public
to use safety precautions when building campfires on the national forest.
Campfires
should be in a fire pit surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings, in areas
cleared of all flammable material within a three-foot radius from the edge of
the pit and free of overhanging material. Forest visitors should also carry a
shovel and one gallon of water while building and tending campfires. These guidelines also apply to the use of
charcoal briquettes.
“The
public’s awareness of the increasing fire danger is essential to a safe fire
season,” said Brett Thomas, Umatilla Fire Management Officer. “We ask for
everyone’s help and diligence in practicing safe campfire building techniques
that, in the long run, will protect lives, property, and our natural landscapes.”
Campfire
safety principles in dispersed and developed campsites are meant to encourage
campfire safety before fire season comes full-swing. While lightning is the
number one cause of wildfires in the Blue Mountains, human-cause wildfires are
preventable, unpredictable and can occur anywhere with no warning.
As
conditions continue to get warmer and drier weather and fire danger levels
increase, the Umatilla National Forest will implement Public Use Restrictions,
also known as PURs, which will restrict the use of campfires, chainsaws,
smoking, and travel. PURs will be
implemented in phases, based on increased fire danger, hot and dry weather
conditions, and concern for public safety.
Forest
officials recommend the following campfire safety precautions:
•
Always abide by local campfire laws.
•
Only adults should build and maintain campfires.
•
Find a shady spot away from dry logs, overhanging
branches, bushes, needles, or leaves.
•
Use existing fire-rings where it is safe to do so.
Don’t build fire-rings in roads.
•
Keep campfire rings small and use wood no bigger
than the ring.
•
Keep tents and other burnable materials away from
the fire.
•
Never leave a campfire unattended. Those leaving
campfires unattended can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.
•
Drown the campfire with water and stir charred
material.
•
When leaving, make sure your fire is DEAD OUT. Very
carefully feel all sticks and charred remains. Make sure no roots are
smoldering. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
•
Find more campfire safety information at
http://www.smokeybear.com/campfire-safety.asp
For
more information on public use restrictions and fire danger levels, contact
your local Forest Service office or visit one of the following websites:
Umatilla National Forest:
Toll-Free
(877) 958-9663
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF
Twitter:
@UmatillaNF
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