La Grande, OR- As the weather heats up around the region, fire managers are concerned about the potential for human-caused fires. Fuel conditions have reached levels that firefighters do not normally contend with until much later in the summer. The indices or measurements that firefighters use to estimate fire potential are setting records for this time of year. With these record-setting conditions, Oregon Department of Forestry is reminding everyone to use extreme caution when heading out this Fourth of July weekend.
“Our measurements of fire danger are currently setting new records. This is significant given the time of year. Our charts are showing conditions more aligned with what we expect to see in August. It is very dry out there. It looks like it could be a long fire season for our folks, and we need help from everyone to set a pace that we can keep up with.” said Logan McCrae, La Grande Unit Forester.
The fuel conditions combined with a nationwide draw on firefighting resources have fire managers worried about additional starts. The weather forecast for this week and weekend which is calling for continued hot and dry conditions with a high probability of lightning later in the week and throughout the weekend is causing additional worry.
“There’s a good chance we will already be fighting fire due to the lightning that is forecasted. At this point, we need everyone to be extra cautious as they head out to camp or enjoy the woods this weekend. Leaving the fireworks home, avoiding parking in tall grass, and carrying a few firefighting tools with you are all recommended. Remember, campfires are prohibited except in designated locations.” stated McCrae.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Public Use Restrictions, or Regulated Use Closure, is in effect. These restrictions are geared toward preventing the human-caused starts. These restrictions include but are not limited to: Prohibiting the use of fireworks, campfires (except in designated locations), open burning, and the non-industrial use of chainsaws between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8 p.m. Portable cooking stoves using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed. Smoking is prohibited except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area free of flammable vegetation. For information on other restrictions that are in effect, please call the ODF Fire Prevention line at (541) 975-3027 or visit: www.bmidc.org/restrictions/
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.
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