Lightning bad – but most wildfires human-caused

While firefighters continue to battle dozens of wildfires throughout the Northwest, there’s one thing they don’t need: Help from careless people.

Many of the large, difficult-to-fight wildfires have been caused by lightning. One cell, generally moving from northern California up through the Cascades across Oregon and Washington, can leave multitudes of fire starts in its wake.

But most fires are still caused by people, the Oregon Department of Forestry said Friday.

Lightning accounts for 20-30 percent of all fires, while 70-80 percent of wildfires are human-caused, the agency said, citing Northwest Interagency Coordination Center statistics.

Oregon and Washington have already had 1,642 fires (835 human-caused) that have collectively burned more than 485,000 acres this summer.

So how can the public lend a hand in the fight? Simple: Don’t be part of the problem.

“We always remind forest visitors and residents to do all they can to prevent wildfires,” said Nancy Hirsch, chairwoman of the Pacific Northwest Coordinating Group and fire protection division chief with the Oregon Department of Forestry.

“But this is paramount — for everyone — right now. We’re working hard to control many lightning-caused fires across the region, and more are expected. Resources are stretched very thin, and we can ill afford to divert them to fight human-caused fires that could have been prevented.”

Leading the way in human-caused fires is debris burning.

“Even during the most severe fire danger, we continue to see illegal burning take place in backyards,” said ODF Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “When these fires escape, they not only threaten and burn homes and our natural resources — they also cost a lot of money to put out.”

Anyone responsible for starting a fire, accidental or not, is potentially liable for those fire suppression costs, not to mention the civil liability for damages to neighboring property owners.

Combined, these costs could run into the millions. If burning is prohibited where you live, and you witness someone burning, call 911 immediately.

“Some of the largest fires we have fought this summer have been human-caused,” added Hirsch. “This is disconcerting, and all the more reason to reiterate a call for care and caution.”

Outdoor debris burning is one of many fire-related activities that are prohibited throughout much of the region.

There have also been a number of abandoned campfires left to go out on their own, that don’t.

Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires are not allowed throughout much of the region as well, unless conducted in an approved location, such as a designated campground. Campers and visitors should check on the restrictions in place at individual parks.

Be sure and check fire season regulations where you live or where you may be going. There are several resources on the internet to gain additional information and to learn more about fire prevention practices.

Keep Oregon Green, Oregon Department of Forestry, Washington Department of Natural Resources and the offices of the state fire marshal for both Oregon and Washington are great places to start.