Fire Season Has Begun: It’s Statewide and It’s Here

We’ve been expecting it. People who have lived through wildfires are vigilant. Many volunteers and workers have prepped for the oncoming fire season, with a sense of urgency that has been hard won through experience.

And it’s here. As of today, July 15, all ODF districts are in fire season.

What does it mean to you, besides that CRT hopes you have made your home and community safer?

The bottom line for Oregonians is that public use restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan on recreating to reduce the risk ofhuman-caused wildfires. 

Compared with previous years, this is a slightly delayed start to the season for the state. The heavy rains in May and June --and even July-- of this year have helped in that. However, don’t let those wonderful rains fool you.

“Don’t be lulled into complacency because of the weather,” said Mike Shaw, Fire Protection Division Chief. “July and August historically have higher fire activity, and ODF is ready to respond, but we need the cooperation of Oregonians so we don’t strain our resources on fires that could have been avoided.”

Somewhat ironically, the rain may work against us in the big picture. A large concern for the ODF are the ground fuels, like grass, that grew tall due to the spring rains but will dry out quickly, becoming a greater risk for human-caused fires.

Those ground fuels will be able to catch fire easily and will then burn and spread quickly. Therefore, it is extremely important for Oregonians to continue to practice wildfire prevention this summer. 

You can help by following these tips for

wildfire prevention:

-Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat.

-Go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.

- Don’t park your car over dried grass and make sure it is regularly maintained in order to reduce the

risk of sparks.

- Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a grass fire.

- Check  local restrictions  and fire danger levels.

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land from wildfire. Do your part to stay ready and pro-active, with an emphasis on a safe summer for all.